How to Have A Cheap Europe Holiday: 2025 Edition

Yes, You Can Afford Europe

Europe may be home to some of the world’s most glamorous cities and luxury resorts, but don’t be fooled... a dream trip doesn’t have to come with a nightmare price tag.

With the right planning and smart choices, a cheap Europe holiday is absolutely within reach.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the cheapest places in Europe, cost-saving strategies, and affordable travel tips to help you explore the continent without breaking the bank.

Whether you’re a student, remote worker, backpacker, or family traveler, this Europe travel advice is your ultimate roadmap to saving money and maximizing adventure.

Where to Go:

The Most Affordable European Countries

Choosing the right destination is the first step toward a budget-friendly itinerary. While cities like Paris and Zurich are notoriously expensive, many of the most affordable European countries offer the same level of charm and culture... at a fraction of the cost.

Top Budget-Friendly Countries in Europe

Bulgaria – Arguably one of the cheapest places in Europe, Bulgaria offers Black Sea beaches, mountain hikes, and lively cities like Sofia and Plovdiv.

Romania – Home to medieval castles, the Carpathian Mountains, and vibrant Bucharest, Romania is great for food, history, and savings.

Poland – With gorgeous old towns, hearty cuisine, and reasonable prices, cities like Krakow and Gdansk are ideal for budget travelers.

Portugal – Cheaper than neighboring Spain but equally stunning. Explore Porto, Coimbra, or the Algarve for amazing food and scenery.

Hungary – Budapest is consistently ranked as one of the cheapest European cities to visit, and one of the most beautiful.

Albania – One of the most affordable European countries for beach lovers, with a growing reputation for adventure travel.

Georgia (borderline Europe/Asia) – Often included in extended Europe trips, it offers incredible value for food, wine, and epic landscapes.

These countries let you stretch your budget without sacrificing quality or experience.

Cheap But Unique:

Where to Go in Europe That’s Underrated

Sometimes the best value comes from places no one’s talking about. If you want to avoid tourist traps and find unique cities in Europe, look beyond the guidebooks.

Where to Go in Europe That’s Underrated (and Affordable)

Brno, Czech Republic – A quirky alternative to Prague with incredible cafés and nightlife.

Lviv, Ukraine – A vibrant cultural hub that offers excellent value (note: check travel advisories).

Riga, Latvia – Affordable art nouveau architecture, Baltic charm, and lively events year-round.

Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina – A fairytale setting with a stunning bridge and deeply affordable prices.

These cheap European cities to visit are often overlooked but are some of the best places to travel in Europe for authentic experiences.

Budget by Design:

Cheap Ways to Travel Europe

Once you’ve picked your destination, it’s time to talk logistics. There are cheap ways to travel within Europe, and they don’t all involve cramped buses (though buses are definitely an option!).

Cheapest Ways to Travel Between Cities

FlixBus & BlaBlaCar – These are go-to options for long-haul land travel. Prices can be as low as €5.

Budget Airlines (Ryanair, EasyJet, WizzAir) – Flying can be cheaper than a train ride if you book early.

Trains – In countries like Poland, Slovakia, and Romania, regional trains are very affordable.

Car Rentals – In certain areas, especially the Balkans, sharing a rental can be the cheapest way to travel between towns.

Walking & Cycling – Cities like Amsterdam, Ljubljana, and Copenhagen are made for budget-friendly mobility.

Always compare multiple modes of transport and use multi-search tools like Rome2Rio or Omio.

Staying Smart:

Cheapest Place to Stay in Europe for a Month

Planning a long-term trip? Digital nomads and slow travelers often search for the cheapest place to stay in Europe for a month. Here are your best bets:

Chișinău, Moldova – Rent a modern apartment for under $300/month.

Tirana, Albania – Affordable long-term stays and a growing digital nomad scene.

Sofia, Bulgaria – Low cost of living, fast Wi-Fi, and coworking spaces.

Tbilisi, Georgia – A global favorite among remote workers due to its affordability and culture.

Lisbon or Porto (Portugal) – A bit pricier, but still much cheaper than most of Western Europe, especially if you book for 30+ days.

Use platforms like Airbnb, Flatio, and local Facebook expat groups to find deals.

Essential Europe Travel Tips That Save You Money

You don’t need to sacrifice comfort to cut costs. These affordable travel tips make all the difference:

Top Money Saving Travel Tips for Europe

Travel Off-Peak – Avoid July and August. Spring and autumn have better weather and lower prices.

Book in Advance – Trains, budget flights, and hostels are all cheaper with early booking.

Use an eSIM – Skip expensive roaming. With KnowRoaming’s affordable Europe eSIM plans, you can stay connected across Europe from just $4.50.

City Passes – Look for cards offering discounted (or free) museum and transport access.

Free Walking Tours – Found in almost every major city and tip-based.

Cook Your Own Meals – Markets and supermarkets are budget goldmines.

Avoid Currency Exchange Kiosks – Use a fee free travel card or mobile bank app.

Don’t Overpack – Budget airlines charge steep baggage fees.

These travel tips for Europe apply to first-timers and frequent travelers alike.

Food, Fun, and Freebies:

Spending Less While Experiencing More

Great travel doesn’t mean expensive meals and overpriced attractions. You can enjoy rich cultural experiences on a lean budget.

How to Eat Cheap in Europe

Lunch Menus – In Spain, Italy, and Portugal, lunchtime is when restaurants offer multi-course deals for less.

Street Food & Bakeries – Affordable and delicious, especially in Central and Eastern Europe.

Cook at Hostels – Save by shopping at Lidl, Aldi, or Carrefour and cooking your own meals.

Free Things to Do in Europe

Wander historical districts (many cities are UNESCO-listed)

Enjoy free museum days (often once per month)

Relax in public parks or on riverbanks

Attend free cultural events and outdoor concerts

Hike national parks and coastal trails

The secret? Prioritize experiences over expenses.

Trip Style Breakdown:

Budget Europe for Every Traveler

Whether you're solo, coupled up, with friends, or going slow for the long haul, there’s a budget travel style for you.

Solo Traveler

Stay in hostels with private rooms, join walking tours, and use an eSIM to stay safe and reachable.

Backpackers

Use multi-city routes with FlixBus or budget rail, and stick to dorms or Couchsurfing.

Groups

Split Airbnb costs, cook together, and use group discounts for tours and transit.

Digital Nomads

Look for coworking hostels, long-term apartment rentals, and destinations with fast Wi-Fi and cheap monthly rates.

Slow Travelers

Spend longer in one city or region and take advantage of monthly accommodation deals and local markets.

Putting It All Together:

How to Plan a Cheap Europe Holiday

Here’s how to turn all this Europe travel advice into a real plan:

Pick a Budget Region

Start with the cheapest places in Europe (Eastern and Southern Europe are great bets).

Choose 3–5 Affordable Cities

Build your route around cheap European cities to visit with easy connections between them.

Travel Off-Season

Book your trip during shoulder months to save on everything from flights to hotels.

Stay Connected Affordably

Install a KnowRoaming eSIM before you leave. It’s the most cost-effective way to stay online across Europe.

Book Accommodation Wisely

Use trusted platforms and aim for budget stays with kitchens.

Set Daily Spending Goals

Use apps like Trail Wallet or TravelSpend to track and manage your daily expenses.

Keep it Flexible

Allow space for spontaneous savings (and surprises!).

Europe is for Every Budget

You don’t need a luxury budget to enjoy the magic of Europe. With this guide and the right mindset, your cheap Europe holiday can include unforgettable meals, iconic sights, new friendships, and all the adventure you can handle, without draining your bank account.

Plan smart, travel slow, and remember: the real treasure of Europe isn’t how much you spend, it’s what you discover.