15 European Cities That Are Surprisingly Budget-Friendly for Americans
Europe can be expensive to visit, but if you know where to go, you could have a great time on a reasonable budget. Americans can enjoy a stay and stretch their dollars further than they might think at these budget-friendly destinations. Great food. Famous landmarks. Affordable Prices. It is possible to have a European getaway without breaking the bank.
You don’t need to save for years to afford these getaways. There are numerous activities to enjoy for little to no cost. Explore local markets, mountain hikes, museums, and wonderfully peaceful landscapes at these 15 destinations.
Krakow, Poland
Krakow is a dream come true for budget travelers. There are no hefty ticket prices for its medieval Old Town, stunning Wawel Castle, or poignant reminders of the past, such as Auschwitz. Lunch and dinner bargains abound here. You can enjoy thick pierogis and creamy soups for a pittance compared to what you pay at a combo in the States. Krakow is a fun, and cultural mix you don’t want to miss.
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is incredibly elegant and affordable all at the same time. You can start your day soaking in some of the thermal baths for a small fee (€1.50 per 15 mins) and wander across the iconic Chain Bridge with views of the Danube. It won’t burn a hole in your pocket to have a filling meal of Hungarian goulash or chimney cake, or to use public transport, which is affordable and efficient.
Prague, Czech Republic
The fairytale charm of Prague comes with no fairytale price tag. The Charles Bridge, its picturesque streets, and even the Astronomical Clock can be crossed, strolled, and marveled at without spending a dime. Accommodation is affordable with hostels and guesthouses available in the city.
Porto, Portugal
If sipping wine by the Douro River appeals to you, then Porto is your city. This Portuguese gem famous for its port wine and riverfront is full of things to do and see on a budget. It’s an affordable place to indulge without guilt – with boat tours, cafes, and wine tastings for reasonable pricing. You’ll feel right at home with the friendly locals.
Valencia, Spain
Valencia, a sunny, budget-friendly alternative to Spain’s more famous cities, is a city that is easily missed. As a cheap tapas bar city, with public transport, and free beaches, you shouldn’t have any trouble keeping to your budget. It’s a futuristic city often called the City of Arts and Sciences. Try a plate of authentic paella, invented in Valencia. The prices are reasonable, and the vibe is wonderfully laid-back.
Sofia, Bulgaria
This is an underrated capital with history, culture and adventure, but the price tag is unlike other European destinations. You can see ancient Roman ruins, gorgeous Orthodox churches, green parks … all without breaking the bank. Local food is not only delicious, but it’s also affordable.
Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn’s medieval Old Town is like stepping into a time machine, but you don’t have to own a treasure chest of gold to enjoy it. This Baltic beauty is surprisingly affordable with its cobbled streets, cozy cafes, and beautiful parks. Try the local black bread and creamy soups which are comfort food without the hefty price tag.
Belgrade, Serbia
Belgrade is historical with a vibrant social scene. For a fraction of what you’d pay in Western European hotspots, you can wander Kalemegdan Fortress for free, or enjoy the city’s eclectic nightlife. Serbian cuisine is hearty and inexpensive, so you’ll leave with your belly and wallet full.
Athens, Greece
Visiting the cradle of Western civilization doesn’t have to cost you a fortune. Discounts and free entry days make Athens a great place to see world-famous ruins like the Acropolis on the cheap. Street food such as souvlaki and gyros are affordable and delicious, and local markets are great for inexpensive souvenirs.
Vilnius, Lithuania
Vilnius is a city that constantly surprises with its charm and character. Its quirky vibe and baroque architecture are fun to explore on foot. Public transport is cheap and there are plenty of delicious meals in the city’s restaurants for a fraction of the price you’d pay in larger capitals.
Riga, Latvia
Bursting with Art Nouveau architecture and markets alive with activity, this compact city is walkable, so you can cover lots of ground on foot and save those pennies for something better. Riga is perfect for a budget traveler if you’re looking to immerse yourself in local culture, cuisine, and landscapes.
Bratislava, Slovakia
Bratislava is small but mighty in terms of value. It’s the perfect place for budget travelers wanting a mix of history and modern charm. Skip the hefty price tag and wander through its Old Town, see the quirky blue church and look out from Bratislava Castle. A riverside beer is as good as it is in pricier capitals here.
Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo
Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo city is a blend of Ottoman-era bazaars and Austro-Hungarian architecture. The accommodation and the food are affordable, and it doesn’t take too much up from your traveling budget, so you can go truly local and enjoy cevapi, burek, and other specialties of this region.
Gdansk, Poland
Gdansk is Poland’s seaside escape, with charm and affordability all wrapped up in one. Not short on beauty or fun, its colorful facades, historic shipyards, and lovely beaches make it a destination worth exploring. For travelers looking for cheap adventure with local seafood, this city is perfect.
Tirana, Albania
Tirana is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets. A lively capital with colorful streets, a fascinating history, and friendly people at prices that seem almost too good to be true. You can explore local markets and nearby mountains for little to nothing.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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