Visiting Europe doesn’t have to break the bank. We’ve highlighted some cheap European vacations on Travel Magazine in the past, but in this article, we’re going to take a look at some of the cheapest countries overall, from capital cities to the outskirts.
Here are 4 countries that you’ll love visiting in Europe, even after you get home and look at credit card bills.
Ready to see Europe? Visit Maupintour for travel itineraries.
And if you’re looking for more ways to save on international travel, this list will help.
1. Slovenia
We love everything about traveling to central Europe, and for what it’s worth, we think that Slovenia is one of the most charming countries in the entire region. The capital, Ljubljana, is just an hour from the Italian border, so the food has Northern Italian influences without the price tag. It’s home to incredible pasta, pumpkin seed oil, and sausages, and shouldn’t be overlooked by foodies – though it is. This is a good thing for tourists, as there’s less wait times at restaurants and cheaper menus to enjoy!
If you fly into Ljubljana, save yourself at least two days to explore the city. Five of the six activities on our list of things to see in Ljubljana are free of charge.
There are so many outdoor activities to take advantage of in Slovenia, whether it be taking a boat to the cathedral in the middle of Lake Bled or hiking at Bohinj. Be sure to take a look at Piran on our list of places to visit in Slovenia, it’s one of the most underrated towns in Europe.
2. Poland
Tourists are flocking to Poland right now, especially in the warmer months. It’s one of those countries that we’d recommend you visit immediately before it gets too crowded with tourists (and trust us, it will). Here are five of the best cities in Poland to visit.
Poland is home to amazing architecture, deep history, and delicious cuisine. This video from Jack and Gab Explore runs you through the rough costs of things in Poland. They paid $224 USD for a week’s accommodations in Poznan, between $3 to $5 for a plate of perogies, under $3 even for the fanciest cup of coffee, and if you’re shopping for yourself, they even break down the price of things at the supermarket. Check it out below.
3. Hungary
Cheap food and drinks are everywhere in this country, and the hotels won’t hurt too much either. We’d recommend checking out alternative lodging in Budapest, as we’ve only had fantastic experiences with hosts. They’re friendly enough to point you in the direction of bars that serve bottles of wine for a few Euros.
The city is extremely walkable, and the transit system in Budapest (the oldest in Europe) can slowly weave you around the city for the equivalent of a couple of US dollars, so you’ll save on taxis and ride-sharing. Even some of the most popular tourist attractions in the city, like hiking to Castle Hill, seeing the Parliament Buildings and St. Stephens, and Shoes on the Danube are free of charge.
4. Bulgaria
Constantly listed as one of the cheapest countries in Europe, Bulgaria is a great place to visit for the economically-conscious traveler. They also rank 10th highest in beer consumption for the entire continent – so get ready for some beverages!
This country is a unique blend of history, mountains, and yes – even beaches. Bansko is a great value for any ski bums looking to shred the powder while on vacation, while history lovers will enjoy taking in the Rila Monastery which sits a little over 100km south of Sofia, the nation’s capital.
If it’s the beach you’re after, there are charming seaside towns all along the Black Sea that won’t break the bank. They’re also not loaded with tourists like some of Europe’s other beach destinations, which is a welcomed change of pace.
