Is your bank account getting in the way of you and your travel plans?
What if we told you that there are a bucket load of holiday destinations in Europe that are not only kind to your wallet but also packed with charm and beauty?
That’s right! Europe is filled with budget-friendly hidden gems that are lesser-known, but equally magical nonetheless.
So what are we waiting for? Let’s dive right in! Here is our list of the cheapest Europe holiday destinations to visit!
The 5 Cheapest European Vacation Destinations
01. Sofia, Bulgaria
Bulgaria is one of the cheapest countries to visit in Europe as it remains largely undiscovered by tourists. Sofia, despite being the capital of Bulgaria is still an incredibly affordable city to visit with much to do and see.
Love trying out new cuisine? Then the free food tour by Balkan Bites is just for you! Yes, you saw it right! It’s absolutely FREE and is one of the perfect ways to explore the history of Bulgaria whilst sampling local food in some of Sofia’s most interesting restaurants.
Many of Sofia’s major tourist attractions such as the Archaeological Complex Serdika and the Largo are also free, making this one of the cheapest Europe holiday destinations.
02. Krakow, Poland
Krakow, one of Poland’s most popular cities, is not always cheap unless you know where exactly to look. It is one of those cities that are not only an amazing place to visit but affordable too.
Do you want to get a taste of luxury while spending very little? Then head on over to Krakow’s market square “Plac Nowy” for the best bargains. Local artisans gather here every Saturday and sell their goods. Plac Nowy is also the best place to find affordable cafes and bars that serve mouth-watering meals and delicious cocktails. If you are vising between May and September, don’t forget to check out Krakow Nights Festival, a free show that takes place every month.
Added to that, many museums offer free admission at least once a week. The Rynek Underground Museum is free on Tuesdays (except the first Tuesday of the month), Schindler’s Factory is free every Monday and the Museum of Contemporary Art is free on Tuesdays. Hence, Krakow, Poland is definitely a traveller’s delight.
03. Budapest, Hungary
There’s no doubt that Hungary is one of the more expensive countries in Europe, HOWEVER, its capital, Budapest can be surprisingly cheap when compared to most other European cities. In Budapest, you can live like royalty and have a luxurious experience while still saving money.
This city is home to a long list of amazing attractions that are absolutely positively free of charge, such as the iconic Chain Bridge across the Danube. If you are visiting Budapest around June, don’t miss out on the “Night of the Museums”, where you will be able to visit many landmarks in and around Budapest for free.
What about food you may ask? Well, for starters, street food in Budapest is a great way to save money while also experiencing local specialities. As for souvenirs, the Neo-Gothic Great Market Hall is one of the best places to get your hands on some amazing budget keepsakes. These are a few of the reasons why Budapest is on this list of the cheapest Europe holiday destinations.
04. Istanbul, Turkey
Whether Turkey is a part of Europe or Asia is an argument for another article, but let’s just conclude that it is a part of both, and rightfully so. Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey and an exhilarating place to travel to, especially on a shoestring budget.
It is a grand city that is loaded with history, culture and stunning architecture that you absolutely must witness at least once in your life. Similar to Krakow, luxury comes at a very affordable price in Istanbul. You won’t have to worry about spending thumping amounts on meals during your visit because food can be bought at very affordable prices from street vendors and even good restaurants.
And guess what? You can visit some picturesque attractions such as the Gulhane Park, the blue mosque and the Sultanahmet Square for free. To make things even better, you will be awestruck by the colourful items on offer at the Grand Bazaar. So, Istanbul, Turkey is definitely a must-visit among the cheapest European vacation destinations.
05. Bratislava, Slovakia
Bratislava may be the most expensive city in Slovakia but it is still one of the cheapest Europe holiday destinations when compared to most other countries. It is a beautiful city that will not cost you crazy amounts of money to visit.
Just like the other cities mentioned before, Bratislava also has a list of great things that are absolutely free of charge. There are many small galleries and also lots of street sculptures all around the city. If you are an adventure seeker, then it is worth knowing that all national parks in Slovakia are completely free. Slovakia is also home to many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, monuments and castles that are either free of charge or very cheap to explore.
To put it in a nutshell, Europe is filled with holiday destinations that are not only great destinations but also easy on the pocket. Though the 5 cheapest Europe holiday destinations mentioned in this article may not be the most talked-about places, they are absolute gems that are also kind to your wallet. So, why follow the flock when you can break away from the crowd mentality and discover similar yet cheaper places for your next holiday?
Would you rather spend more and go where everyone goes or pay less and discover a unique place that you never knew existed? It’s up to you!
