The Cheapest Cities to Visit in Europe

Travelling around Europe on a budget? These are the cheapest cities in Europe, based on Price of Travel’s Europe Backpacker Index. It calculates costs based on the best budget sleeping, sightseeing, eating, drinking and public transport options available in each city.

While main hotspots like Paris and Rome can be notoriously expensive, there’s so many beautiful cities to see where your cash will go that bit further. Venture away from the central continent to these bargain cities.

The Cheapest Cities to Visit in Europe. How do these rankings work?

1. Sofia, Bulgaria

Average daily cost on a budget: €22.35

It’s a peculiar mixture of Communist style buildings and colourful modern design, but come to Sofia with an open mind and you’ll fall in love with it. There’s a cool artsy scene, with stylish cocktail bars and events. Plus, it’s great for travelling on a budget!

2. Krakow, Poland

Average daily cost on a budget: €24.03

Over the past decade, Krakow has slowly gained a reputation for being the top city in Poland to visit, next to the obvious Polish capital, Warsaw. This is for good reason as people are beginning to see that there are some amazing things to do here.

3. Bucharest, Romania

Average daily cost on a budget: €24.03

Recently becoming known as the “new Berlin”, there’s some seriously cool things to do in Bucharest. Home to the real-life prince who inspired Dracula, historic churches and vibrant beerhalls, you won’t be bored here.

In fact, you probably won’t really want to leave.

4. Budapest, Hungary

Average daily cost on a budget: €25.69

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again – Budapest is about to become one of the world’s most visited cities. Brimming with beautiful architecture and rich cultural heritage, Budapest still feels slightly untouched by tourists.

5. Warsaw, Poland

Average daily cost on a budget: €30.45

With a gorgeous old town, beautiful architecture and lots of history, a visit to Warsaw for a long weekend is highly recommended. It’s one of the cheapest cities in Europe, yet still feels mega-cosmopolitan.

6. Zagreb, Croatia

Average daily cost on a budget: €31.07

Croatia’s capital is often overlooked for the country’s dazzling coast, but Zagreb is not to be skipped. The historically rich city is an easy hub for visiting other European destinations. It offers quite a few attractions for visitors to see.

7. Bratislava, Slovakia

Average daily cost on a budget: €31.40

Bratislava feels as if it belongs in a fairytale book. It’s a small city but it really packs a punch when it comes to a weekend getaway. Check out the Bratislava Castle, the UFO tower and St Martin‘s Cathedral for stunning views and unique cultural insights.