8 Cheapest Countries in Europe to Visit in 2025

541

Want to visit Europe without going broke? After 8 years as a travel blogger and exploring 38 countries across the continent, I’ve uncovered the ultimate budget-friendly destinations where your money goes far, but the experiences are priceless. Think sipping wine in Portugal’s golden vineyards, exploring medieval castles in the Alps, and chilling on epic beaches in Eastern Europe—all for a fraction of what you’d pay elsewhere. These 8 countries don’t just save you money…they deliver adventure and culture on a silver platter. Ready to travel smarter, not harder? Let’s get into the cheapest European hotspots for 2025!

#1 tip to find cheap flights in Europe

Looking for cheap airline tickets to Europe? For the past 4 years, I’ve used Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) to snag insane deals—like $280 roundtrips from Boston to Europe and flights within Europe for just €10. The best part? It’s free to sign up!

Enter your home airport, and they’ll send mistake fares and cheap flight deals straight to your inbox. Traveling often? Upgrade to their premium plan for $49/year—it pays for itself after one flight. Use code JON20 to get 20% off and start saving big!

Cheapest Countries in Europe to Visit: Cheapest European Countries in 2025

Travel doesn’t have to cost a fortune. These 8 European countries bring epic experiences, rich culture, and jaw-dropping landscapes—without destroying your budget. From the hidden gems of Eastern Europe to the sun-soaked Mediterranean, these spots prove you can travel smart and live large. Let’s get into it.

1. Bulgaria

Bulgaria stands out as Europe’s ultimate budget destination, and honestly, I can’t believe more people don’t know about this gem. You’ll spend around €35-50 per day here as a budget traveler, which is pretty incredible when you consider what you’re getting. Sofia feels like a real European capital with killer architecture and decent nightlife, but you’re paying about half what you’d shell out in Prague or Warsaw.

I stayed in a decent hotel near Alexander Nevsky Cathedral for just €25 a night, and the location was perfect for exploring the city center. The thermal springs around the country are actually free to use if you know where to look – locals will point you toward natural hot pools that cost nothing compared to fancy spa resorts. Plovdiv’s old town is stunning, and you can walk the entire Roman amphitheater area without paying a cent. Food here is seriously underrated too – a hearty meal at a traditional restaurant runs about €6-8, and the portions are massive. Rila Monastery only charges €2 for entry, and it’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve seen in Eastern Europe.

• Read next: Best Historic Sites in the World
• You may also like: UNESCO World Heritage Sites to Visit
• For more reading: Best Spots in Plovdiv, Bulgaria
• Keep reading: Prettiest Places in Pirin National Park

2. Hungary

Hungary delivers that perfect sweet spot where your money goes way further than it should for what you’re getting. Budapest feels like a major European capital – because it is one – but you’re spending 40-50% less than you would in Vienna or Munich. The thermal baths are the real deal here, and while everyone talks about Széchenyi (which costs around €23-29), I actually prefer Lukács Bath for about €13 – it’s got the same healing waters but way fewer tourists.

A decent mid-range hotel in Budapest runs €40-60 per night, and you’ll get actual European elegance, not some budget knockoff. The food scene is incredible – you can get proper Hungarian goulash for €5-7 at local spots, and the portions are honestly ridiculous. Lake Balaton in summer is basically Hungary’s answer to expensive lake resorts elsewhere, except you’re paying a fraction of the price. I spent three days there last summer and the whole trip, including accommodation right on the water, cost me less than one night would’ve in Lake Geneva. Wine lovers should definitely hit Eger – the wine cellars charge maybe €8 for tastings that would cost €30+ in Tuscany.

3. Poland

Poland has gotten way more popular lately, but it’s still ridiculously affordable compared to Western Europe. Kraków is genuinely one of the most beautiful cities I’ve visited, and you can stay in the old town for €30-50 per night. The Wawel Castle charges just €12 for entry, and you’re looking at centuries of Polish royal history. Warsaw surprised me – it’s got this dynamic energy and the reconstruction of the old town after WWII is pretty incredible.

Food in Poland is where your money really stretches. A massive plate of pierogi costs maybe €4-6, and you’ll be stuffed. The milk bars (bar mleczny) are these government-subsidized cafeterias where you can get a full meal for under €3 – I thought they’d be terrible, but they’re actually really good traditional Polish food. Train travel between cities is super cheap too – Warsaw to Krakow costs about €12 on a regular train. Auschwitz-Birkenau tours from Krakow run around €40-50 including transport, which is sobering but important. The Tatra Mountains are gorgeous for hiking, and most trails are completely free.

• Read next: Most Beautiful Cities in Europe

4. Romania

Romania might be the most underrated country in all of Europe – seriously, I don’t understand why more people aren’t talking about this place. Bucharest has this gritty, authentic vibe that reminds me of Berlin 15 years ago, except you’re spending maybe €30-40 per day total. Accommodation in decent hotels runs €25-35 per night, and the food is incredible. Romanian cuisine is basically comfort food perfection, and you’ll pay €6-10 for meals that would cost triple elsewhere.

Bran Castle (the whole Dracula thing) costs about €10 to enter, and while it’s touristy, it’s actually pretty cool. But the real magic happens in Transylvania – places like Brașov and Sibiu feel like fairy tale towns, and you can walk most of the historic centers for free. I rented a car and drove through the Carpathian Mountains last fall, and the scenery was absolutely stunning. Gas is cheap, tolls are minimal, and you’ll have these mountain roads almost to yourself. The Danube Delta is this incredible UNESCO site that most travelers skip – boat tours cost around €15-20 and you’re seeing wildlife that rivals expensive African safaris.

• Read next: Amazing Hidden Gems in Europe
• You may also like: Most Beautiful Castles in the World

5. Czech Republic

Prague has become more expensive over the years, but it’s still a fraction of what you’d pay in Paris or Amsterdam for a similar experience. The city center can get pretty touristy, but step outside the main squares and you’ll find this amazing local beer culture. Czech beer is legendary for a reason, and you’re paying €2-3 for pints that are honestly better than anything you’ll get for €8+ elsewhere.

Český Krumlov is probably one of the most photogenic towns in Europe – the castle tour costs about €15 and it’s totally worth it. I stayed in a pension right in the historic center for €35 per night, and waking up to those medieval streets was pretty magical. Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad) has these grand spa hotels, and while the famous ones are pricey, you can still drink from the thermal springs for free and soak up the atmosphere. Train travel in the Czech Republic is reliable and cheap – you can get from Prague to Brno for under €20. The beer gardens outside Prague are where the real experience is – huge portions of traditional food for €8-12 and beer that’s basically cheaper than water.

• Read next: Most Beautiful Cities in Europe

6. Slovakia

Slovakia is that hidden gem that even seasoned European travelers often skip, which is honestly their loss. Bratislava sits right on the Danube and has this relaxed, authentic feel – no tourist crowds, just real city life. A good hotel near the old town costs €30-45 per night, and the historic center is perfect for walking around. Bratislava Castle offers great views over the river and only charges about €8 for entry.

The High Tatras are absolutely incredible for hiking and way less crowded than the Alps. Spiš Castle is one of the largest castle complexes in Europe and costs maybe €6 to explore – it’s this massive ruined fortress that feels like something out of Game of Thrones. Košice in eastern Slovakia has beautiful Gothic architecture and amazing traditional restaurants where you can eat like a king for €10-15. The train from Bratislava to Košice costs about €20 and takes you through some gorgeous countryside. I spent a week road-tripping through Slovakia last summer and the whole thing – car rental, gas, accommodation, food – cost less than three days would’ve in Switzerland.

7. Portugal

Portugal offers probably the best weather-to-value ratio in Europe, especially if you time it right. Lisbon and Porto have gotten more expensive lately, but they’re still way cheaper than Barcelona or Rome. You can find decent accommodations in Lisbon for €40-60 per night, and the food scene is incredible. Fresh seafood, amazing wine, and those pastéis de nata (custard tarts) for like €1 each.

The Algarve beaches are stunning, and while the coastal resorts can be pricey in summer, shoulder season (May or September) offers perfect weather and hotel prices drop by 40-50%. Sintra near Lisbon has these fairy-tale palaces – Pena Palace costs about €14 to enter and it’s like stepping into a fantasy movie. Train travel along the coast is cheap and scenic. Porto is fantastic for port wine tours that cost €15-25 and include way more tastings than you’d expect. The Azores islands are this incredible volcanic paradise, and flights from Lisbon can be as cheap as €50 if you book ahead. I spent 10 days island-hopping there and the natural hot springs, crater lakes, and hiking were all basically free.

• Read next: Cheapest Places to Fly Into Europe
• You may also like: Amazing Islands in Portugal
• For more reading: Top Airbnbs in Portugal

8. Greece

Greece rounds out this list because while the islands can get expensive in peak summer, the value is still there if you’re smart about timing and location. Athens is criminally underrated – you can stay near the Acropolis for €35-50 per night, and the archaeological sites offer incredible value. The Acropolis itself costs €20, but you’re looking at 2,500 years of history.

Skip Santorini and Mykonos in July/August – they’re tourist traps with inflated prices. Instead, try islands like Naxos or Paros where you’ll get beautiful beaches, traditional Greek culture, and hotel prices that are 50-60% lower. Ferry hopping between islands costs €15-30 per trip, and the experience of waking up to those blue-and-white villages never gets old. Crete is massive and has everything from Minoan palaces (about €15 entry) to incredible hiking in Samaria Gorge (€5 entrance fee). Greek food is amazing and cheap – you’ll get massive portions of grilled fish, Greek salad, and local wine for €12-18 at tavernas that locals actually use.

The key with Greece is avoiding the peak summer crowds and sticking to places where Greeks actually vacation, not just the Instagram hotspots. Visit in May or September and you’ll get perfect weather, lower prices, and a much more authentic experience.

• Read next: Cyprus Travel Guide: What You Need to Know
• You may also like: Most Beautiful Islands in the World

Frequently Asked Questions about the cheapest countries in Europe to visit

Here are some common questions and answers about the cheapest European countries to visit.

Which is the cheapest country to visit in Europe?

Bulgaria is one of Europe’s most affordable destinations. With low costs for accommodations, dining, and transport, your money stretches far. Enjoy hearty local meals for under $10, explore historic landmarks like Rila Monastery or Plovdiv’s Roman ruins, and hike the Rila Mountains or relax on Black Sea beaches—all on a budget. Outside the Eurozone, Bulgaria’s favorable exchange rates make it even more wallet-friendly. From cozy guesthouses to budget hotels, Bulgaria delivers incredible value while offering rich culture, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable experiences.

Where is the cheapest European city to visit?

Sofia, Bulgaria, stands out as one of the cheapest European cities to visit, offering incredible value without sacrificing charm or experiences. Accommodations range from $10 hostels to budget-friendly hotels, while meals at local restaurants or cafes cost as little as $5.

The city’s efficient public transport—trams, buses, and metro—keeps getting around cheap and easy. Top attractions like Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, St. Sofia Church, and the ancient Serdica complex are either free or cost just a few dollars. Even green spaces like Borisova Gradina Park offer a relaxing escape at no extra charge.

With low costs across the board and a rich mix of history, culture, and architecture, Sofia is a top choice for budget-conscious travelers seeking a European adventure.

What is the cheapest month to visit Europe?

Determining the cheapest month to visit Europe depends on various factors, including destination, travel seasonality, and personal preferences. However, if you are seeking the most cost-effective period to explore Europe while enjoying favorable prices and fewer crowds, the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn are often considered the best choices.

In Europe, the shoulder seasons typically span from April to June and September to October. During these months, you can take advantage of several benefits that make your trip more affordable. Accommodation prices are often lower compared to the peak summer season, allowing you to secure comfortable lodgings at more budget-friendly rates. Additionally, airlines and travel providers often offer discounted fares and special promotions during these periods.

Visiting Europe during the shoulder seasons also means encountering fewer tourists. So, you’ll have fewer crowds at popular attractions, more accommodation availability, and a more relaxed atmosphere. You can experience the charm of European cities, admire historical landmarks, and enjoy the local culture with greater ease and serenity. Of course, it’s important to note that specific destinations will have individual high/low seasons due to regional factors or local events.

By planning your trip to Europe during the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn, you can take advantage of affordable prices, pleasant weather, and a more relaxed travel environment. Embrace the opportunity to explore Europe’s rich cultural heritage, immerse yourself in its stunning landscapes, and create lifelong memories without straining your budget.

What are the best times to visit the cheapest countries in Europe?

The timing of your visit to the cheapest countries in Europe can greatly influence your overall experience. Each country has its unique climate, seasonal attractions, and peak tourist periods, so the best time to visit can vary.

Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia offer diverse experiences throughout the year. Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are ideal for mild temperatures and smaller crowds.

If you’re a winter enthusiast, the colder months bring a new dimension to these countries. In Bulgaria or Slovakia, you can indulge in winter sports and enjoy the stunning snowy landscapes. Poland’s Zakopane region is known for its excellent skiing opportunities, while Hungary offers festive Christmas markets and warm thermal baths to keep you cozy.

Portugal is a year-round destination with a mild Mediterranean climate. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds, and lower prices. The summer months (June to August) are popular, especially for beach lovers, but be prepared for higher prices and more tourists. The winter season in Portugal is relatively mild, making it a favorable choice for those seeking a warmer escape.

Greece, with its Mediterranean climate, shines brightest during the summer. This is the peak tourist season when the islands are buzzing with life, the beaches are at their best, and the weather is perfect for outdoor activities. However, spring and autumn are ideal for fewer crowds and milder temperatures.

Consider your preferences, weather conditions, and budget constraints when choosing the best time to visit these countries. Also, consider any specific events or festivals that may interest you when planning your visit. All of these factors affect the best time to visit.

What are the cheapest transportation options within Europe?

When getting around the cheapest countries in Europe, you’ll find various transportation options that cater to different budgets and travel preferences. These countries offer efficient and reliable transportation networks, ensuring convenient access to their diverse attractions and regions.

Public transportation is a popular and cost-effective way to travel. Most cities have comprehensive networks of buses, trams, and metro systems that provide easy access to major attractions and neighborhoods. Ticket prices are generally affordable, and various pass options are available for extended stays or frequent use.

Train travel is another convenient option, particularly for longer distances or intercity journeys. The rail networks in these countries are well-developed, offering comfortable and efficient connections between major cities and towns. Train fares are typically reasonable, and advanced booking can often secure discounted rates.

For those who prefer flexibility and independence, renting a car is a viable choice. Renting a car allows you to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations and venture into rural areas at your own pace. Rental rates are competitive, and roads are generally well-maintained. However, it’s important to familiarize yourself with local driving regulations and ensure you have adequate insurance coverage.

In some regions, such as the Greek islands, ferries and boats are essential modes of transportation. Island-hopping in Greece, for example, offers a unique and picturesque experience. Ferry services connect various islands, allowing you to explore their beauty and charm.

Ultimately, the transportation options within these countries offer flexibility and accessibility, catering to different budgets and travel styles. Choose the mode of transportation that best suits your itinerary, comfort level, and budget, and enjoy seamless travel throughout your journey.

Is it cheaper to fly or take a train in Europe?

When deciding between flying or taking the train between European countries, the cost-effectiveness can vary depending on various factors. While both options have advantages, flying often offers more competitive fares, especially for long-distance journeys.

Budget airlines have transformed European travel through affordable fares and frequent connections between major cities. With careful planning and advanced booking, you can secure significantly lower airfares than train tickets for long-haul journeys. Airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air specialize in providing cost-effective options for European travelers on a budget.

However, it’s important to consider additional costs when flying, such as baggage fees and transportation to and from airports outside city centers. Additionally, travel time to and from airports, security procedures, and potential delays may slightly offset the time saved by flying.

On the other hand, train travel in Europe offers its own set of advantages. Trains often provide a more scenic and comfortable travel experience, allowing you to admire the landscapes. They also offer greater convenience by typically connecting city centers, saving transportation costs, and reducing travel time to and from airports.

Trains are particularly suitable for shorter journeys or when visiting well-connected destinations by rail networks. For example, countries like Germany, France, and Italy have extensive and efficient train systems, making them ideal for exploring multiple cities within a relatively compact area.

However, train tickets can be more expensive for long-distance trips or high-speed or premium services. However, there are ways to mitigate these costs, such as booking in advance, utilizing rail passes, or taking advantage of discounted fares and promotions.

Ultimately, choosing between flying and taking the train in Europe depends on your needs and priorities. By carefully evaluating your options, you can make an informed choice that balances cost, convenience, and the overall experience you seek during your European adventure.

How can I see most of Europe for cheap?

If you want to see the most of Europe on a budget, several strategies can help you make the most of your experience while minimizing costs. Here are some tips for exploring many European destinations without breaking the bank.

1. Plan your itinerary strategically. Research and map out your route in advance to optimize your travel plans. Consider visiting neighboring countries or regions with shorter travel distances to save on transportation costs.

2. Opt for budget-friendly destinations. Choose countries known for their affordability, such as Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, and Romania. These countries offer a wealth of attractions, historical sites, and natural beauty at a fraction of the cost compared to more expensive European destinations.

3. Travel during the shoulder seasons. Visiting Europe during the spring or fall can lower prices for accommodations, flights, and attractions. Take advantage of off-peak periods to explore popular destinations with fewer crowds and better value for your money.

4. Be flexible. If your schedule allows, consider traveling on weekdays or during less popular travel periods, as prices tend to be lower. For potential savings, explore different accommodations, including budget-friendly hostels, guesthouses, or even short-term apartment rentals.

5. Utilize budget airlines and public transportation. Look for budget airlines that offer competitive fares between European cities and compare prices to find the most cost-effective options. Utilize public transportation systems like trains or buses for cheaper travel between attractions.

6. Prioritize free or low-cost attractions. Europe has many landmarks, museums, and historical sites that offer free admission or discounted entry on certain days or times. Take advantage of these opportunities to explore the rich culture at a discount.

What is the cheapest Baltic country?

Among the Baltic countries, Lithuania is the cheapest in terms of living costs and affordability. It consistently ranks lower in terms of prices for accommodation, food, transportation, and consumer goods compared to Estonia and Latvia. However, it’s important to note that the cost of living can still vary depending on the specific city or region within each country.