15 Cheapest Countries To Visit In Europe
(1) Poland
Most hostel rooms in Poland cost around 45–55 PLN per night. A double bed in a private room in a hostel costs at least 150 PLN per night. Most hostels also have self-catering facilities, if you want to cook your own food. Lockers are also available in most hostels. Free hostels are available in many hostels in Krakow and Gdansk but are rare in Warsaw.
A double bed in a budget two-star hotel with free Wi-Fi costs around 100 PLN per night. Free Wi-Fi is common and many hotels include a simple free breakfast. For a three-star hotel, expect to pay close to 180 PLN per night. Airbnb is available across the country and with shared rooms of approximately 40 PLN per night.
The cheapest local food costs around 20 PLN. A meal at a mid-range restaurant costs close to 50 PLN for a three-course meal with a drink. For fast food, expect to pay around 18 PLN. When it comes to drinking, the price of beer in a restaurant or bar is at least 8 PLN. For a cappuccino in a cafe, expect to pay around 8 PLN.
(2) Bulgaria
Bulgaria is one of the cheapest places in Europe. You can do a lot on a tight budget, and even most of the country’s attractions such as museums and historical sites are cheap. Most hostels in Bulgaria cost between 17–23 BGN ($ 10–13 USD) per night for a four-six-bed room. Nightly rates start at around 44 BGN ($ 25 USD) for a budget two-star hotel room with private Ensuite bathroom.
Airbnb is available throughout Bulgaria, with shared accommodation starting at 21 BGN ($ 12 USD) throughout the night. The average of a private room is around 56 BGN ($ 32 USD) per night, while a full apartment or house averages around 119 BGN ($ 67 USD). Food is very affordable throughout Bulgaria.
There are also many places where you can buy a slice of pizza for 0.55 BGN ($ 1 USD) or less. Dining at the sit down restaurant is also quite cheap. The price of a meal in a mid-range restaurant should not exceed 10 BGN ($ 6 USD). Even an entry in an upscale restaurant will not exceed 20 BGN ($ 11 USD).
(3) Romania
With majestic mountains, magnificent lakes and beautiful beaches, Romania has it all in terms of natural beauty. On a backpacker budget, you can travel to Romania for 160–180 RON ($ 37–42 USD) per day. It is suggested budget whether you are staying or camping in cheap hostels, cooking most of your meals and using local transport.
On a mid-range budget of around 300–388 RON ($ 70–90 USD), you will be able to stay in a budget hostel, dine in cheap local restaurants, enjoy some intercity travel, and see some more sights (Such as more museums or forts / palaces). On a luxury budget of 690 RON ($ 160 + USD), you can stay in a nice hotel, eat for every meal, rent a car.
Romanian food is quite hearty, usually containing potatoes, meats, cabbage and spices. The country also has very good coffee and pastries. Meals at a mid-range restaurant will be close to 50 RON for a three-tier meal, while fast food will be around 20 RON. The price of a beer in a restaurant or bar will be at least 6 RON.
(4) Hungary
Visiting Hungary offers great value, beautiful landscapes, rich history and hearty food. You will find less crowds, cheaper prices, beautiful national parks, warm people and historical city centers. Many cities have hot thermal baths which are popular attractions. Hunger is an active destination, so caving, biking and hiking are all things to allocate to your budget.
The hostels are incredibly inexpensive, starting around 2,500 HUF ($ 9 USD) per night for a hostel room. Private rooms can be found for as little as 5,500 HUF ($ 20 USD) per night. Most hostels also have kitchens, if you plan to cook your own meals. Budget hotels can be found for less than 6,000 HUF ($ 22 USD) per night.
One of the best places in Budapest called IGEN serves pizza for less than 280 HUF ($ 1 USD). Fast food can be found for less than 1,500 HUF ($ 6 USD). Traditional Hungarian food will be cheap and very hearty. It is a “meat and potato” country, so heavy food is expected. A meal at a traditional sit down restaurant with beer will be around 2,500 HUF ($ 9 USD).
(5) Ukraine
In recent years, Ukraine has developed into a popular budget travel destination. Although it may not be the polish and charm you find in Western Europe, it is more and more affordable with cheap prices, beautiful landscapes, historic buildings and less crowds. Ukraine is an economical country to travel to. Unless you go out of your way to do this, you will have to work hard to spend a lot of money.
By eating at restaurants that serve traditional cuisine, you will keep your meal expenses down. A typical meal here costs around 145 UAH ($ 5 USD). You can take overnight trains by taking advantage of slow and cheap trains in Ukraine. Uber is cheaper than taxis and is the best way to get around a city if you don’t want to wait for a bus or pay for a taxi.
In Ukraine, tap water is not safe to drink. Avoid single-use plastic by bringing a reusable water bottle with a filter. LifeStraw makes reusable bottles that also filter your water so that it is safe and clean to drink. Kiev Walking Tours offers a free trip around the city. This is the best way to see the main sights on a budget.
(6) Czech Republic
Every year more and more tourists are seen in the country but they mostly stick to Prague. Most Czech towns will be less about tour destinations and more about taking in local culture. Possessing a beer at a local pub, walking the streets of Cobblestone and taking in Gothic, Art Nouveau and communal architecture. The country is still on the Czech Koruna, so prices are very cheap.
There are also a number of free walking tours around the country for those wishing to spend some time in nature. Most museums and excursions will be between 60–800 CZK. Hostel dorm beds prices will vary depending on where you are in the country, starting from 175 CZK in small towns and as high as 400 CZK in Prague.
Expect to pay close to 900 CZK per night for a budget hotel that offers free breakfast. Airbnb can be found in major cities and towns. If you are looking for shared accommodation, prices start at 450 CZK per night. For an entire house or apartment, expect to pay close to 1,500 CZK per night. For a cheap meal in a cheap restaurant, expect to pay around 120 CZK.
Most cities have a tram system. Prague also has an underground with only three lines going to major points throughout the city. The unlimited 24-hour pass is 110 CZK. Transport between cities is very easy via train. To get the best fare, buy your tickets at the station in advance if possible.
(7) Slovakia
Located in Eastern Europe, Slovakia is a small, land-based nation of five million inhabitants. It is bounded on the north by Poland, Hungary on the south, Ukraine on the east, the Czech Republic on the east, and the Czech Republic on the west. Slovakia is not cheap like Bulgaria, Romania or Hungary, but it offers better prices than the rest of Europe.
Almost all large Slovakian cities have youth hostels that cater to the needs of backpackers and those traveling on a budget. Campsites are available at most major tourist destinations. It is difficult to become a better deal for mid-range travelers. Camping in many national parks is $ 8 for one person with a tent, $ 12 for two.
This is a country where you can still get a big multi-course lunch and a glass or two of fine wine or a great beer for under $ 10 dollars. The bus system is a better bet for most cities. A short 20 km trip would be around $ 2. City trams and buses typically range from $ 70 for short rides to $ 1.20, which will take an hour.
(8) Croatia
The peak time to visit Croatia’s coastline is during July and August when you can enjoy blissfully hot days, sapphire water and lots of activity. During this time the locals go towards the beaches, so the inland cities become a bit quieter. If the busy beaches and al fresco dining are after you, coastal cities like Dubrovnik and Split are perfect at this time of year.
Trains are another great way to travel around Croatia and are very cheap compared to the rest of Europe tickets. To travel to the islands, you are best to catch a ferry from one of Croatia’s main ports, such as Split or Dubrovnik. If you are only traveling through big cities like Zagreb, Split and Dubrovnik, chances are you will not need a car.
The price of alcohol is much cheaper in Croatia than in Western and Northern Europe. Croatia has a wide variety of hostels and you should have no problem finding one. The average price of a hostel is 60–115 HRK (€ 8–15) a night. Private rooms in hostels, guesthouses and apartments are also much cheaper and common than dorms.
(9) Latvia
Situated in the Baltic Sea between Lithuania and Estonia, Latvia is a country often overlooked. Nevertheless it is inexpensive, safe, and offers a landscape marked by wide beaches and dense forests. There are also many interesting museums in the cities that typically charge between 1-4 EUR ($ 1.25- $ 4.50).
Expect to pay at least 20 EUR ($ 23 USD) for a bike tour or kayak rental, and 40 EUR ($ 49 USD) for a full day of hiking. Hostel start at 5 EUR ($ 6 USD) for a dorm of 10-20 beds per night. For a small dorm with 6-8 beds, expect to pay around 9 EUR ($ 11 USD). Budget hotels and guesthouses start at 30 EUR ($ 35 USD) per night for a double or twin.
Like its Baltic and Scandinavian neighbors, Latvian food emphasizes meat, potatoes and seafood. Dishes such as cabbage soup, mashed peas and pork, and pelmeni (Russian ravioli) are found in most restaurants. Many restaurants offer a “business lunch,” a fixed-price menu that includes a starter, main course, and drinks. They vary from 5-8 EUR ($ 6-9 USD).
(10) Slovenia
Known for its mountains, ski resorts and postcard Perfect Lakes, a trip to Slovenia gives you all the beauty of Western Europe with a fraction of the crowd. The region is a favorite for hikers and history lovers, due to its rugged landscape and controversial past. There is also a group of outdoor activities, making it the perfect destination for active travelers.
Slovenian food is influenced by Italian, Austrian and Balkan cooking. Spicy sausage, goulash, and Schneetaille appear regularly and are easily found in most restaurants. Burek, a flaky meat or cheese pastry is a local favorite for when you are traveling. For a cheap meal at a restaurant serving traditional food, you will pay at least 8 EUR ($ 9 USD) for the meal.
For small dorms with 4-6 beds, expect to pay around 19–21 EUR ($ 22–25 USD) per night. You expect to pay at least 40 EUR ($ 45 USD) per night for a private room. Budget hotels start at 40 EUR ($ 48 USD) per night for a double or twin room. Many budget hotels include free breakfast. If you are on a budget then be sure to book a hotel that includes a free breakfast.
(11) Lithuania
Lithuania is a small country in Europe located between Poland, Russia, Belarus, Latvia and the Baltic Sea. Like other Baltic states, Lithuania is not a very touristy country. However, its landscape continues to attract more and more eager travelers every year. With loads of forests, lakes, beaches and national parks, Lithuania is perfect for those you love to hang out with.
Another reason that you should visit Lithuania is its food. If you like potatoes, you are in for a treat as the variety of potato dishes is wide. But you will find many different delicious dishes, which passed down from generation to generation. With a large quantity of local craft beer, you will leave Lithuania satisfied.
Another reason to travel to Lithuania is because of how easy it is to get around. Most people speak English and in just one week, you can tour the whole country. Vilnius and Kaunas airports are the major international airports in the country. Most places are available by bus, but renting a car is also a good way to get around, to explore the better countryside.
(12) Montenegro
Located in the Balkan region on the Adriatic Sea, Montenegro is a country characterized by its rugged mountains, medieval villages and a narrow strip of beaches with its Adriatic coastline. Considered to be one of the most beautiful creeks in Europe, the Bay of Kotor features a distinct Mediterranean vibe with beautiful cities and UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Parrest and Kotor. It includes the northernmost coastal region of Montenegro.
The average price for a person for accommodation in Montenegro is € 24. To share a typical double-occupancy hotel room for two people, the average price for a hotel room in Montenegro is € 49. While food prices in Montenegro can vary, the average cost of a meal in Montenegro is € 21 per day.
Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when the average meal in Montenegro should be eaten outside, it should cost around € 8.31 per person. The cost of a taxi ride in Montenegro is much higher than public transport. On average local travelers have spent € 7.40 per person per day on local transport in Montenegro.
(13) Albania
Albania is one of the best kept secrets of Europe. Yet it is a land of untouched natural beauty, a rich history behind ancient Illyrians and Greeks and rock bottom prices. It has rapidly become a solid favorite of backpackers. For pedestrians and nature lovers, there are Accursed Mountains, with their slate-gray jagged peaks and deep green valleys.
For history buffs, an ancient Greek and later Roman city, and an Ottoman-era village Gojirocastra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And for city lovers, Tirana has an up-and-coming city, where the cafe culture and busy nightlife around Bloku will give you the social improvements you need after exploring the serene countryside of Albania.
The hostel will be your cheapest option in Albania, priced at around 756 LEK ($ 7 USD) per night. Rooms in busy places like Saranda or Tirana, average 1,080 LEK ($ 10 USD) per night. Budget hotels can be as cheap as just 2,162 LEK ($ 20 USD) per night for a double or twin. Food is really cheap in Albania.
(14) Estonia
Estonia is one of the most magical places you probably didn’t know. It is a hidden sanctuary of your travel dreams. While it may not be the cheapest destination to travel to, Estonia’s proximity to popular European capitals, low-cost accommodation and food, and the stunning nature at its doorstep make it the perfect destination for budget-friendly travel.
The best advice for finding affordable housing in Estonia is to think like a local. If camping is more your style, then you want to travel to Estonia in the summer months, when the temperature is mild by day and cool at night. Estonian countryside starts with low cost campgrounds starting at only $ 5 USD per night.
Estonia is appealing to those who travel for food. In fact, a medieval-inspired feast in the capital city of Tallinn is often only half the price of a similar-sized meal in other European capitals. Estonian food is influenced by traces of Russian, German and Scandinavian influences. Dumplings are a popular budget food, which can be found at local grocery stores for $1, or in cafeteria-style restaurants.
(15) Serbia
Serbia has been slower to gain popularity among travelers than some of its neighbors, but it is not for lack of cultural and historical sites. In Serbia you can still have a glimpse of the ethnic life of the cultures and you can meet in other nearby countries in abundance without any crowds. Beerk, or pastries filled with meats or cheeses, is probably the most budget-friendly option.
Almost all food has some form of meat or cheese, so being a vegetarian you will struggle to find food. Transport in Serbia is relatively straight forward. If you are hoping to save money then you should opt for a bus instead of a train. Buses are usually cheaper and they are more abundant here. There are likely to be at least one or two bus trips during your stay in Serbia.
The average price for an individual for accommodation in Serbia is RSD 932. Sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room for two people, the average price for a hotel room in Serbia is RSD1,864. Food prices in sit-down restaurants in Serbia are often higher than fast food prices or street food prices. The cost of a taxi ride in Serbia is much higher than public transport.