International tourism is expected to return to pre-pandemic levels this year as the last remnants of COVID-19 travel restrictions are lifted and demand for travel continues unabated. Europe’s strong appeal for many Americans is undeniable, but the high cost of popular destinations like London, Paris and Rome may be a deal-breaker.
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However, there’s no reason to let the cost of traveling to Europe put you off. With such a rich and diverse mix of history, culture and cuisine, there are plenty of European cities you can visit without breaking the bank.
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Destinations in Europe
According to a recent Priceline search, the cheapest overnight hotel prices in Europe are:
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Berlin, Germany: $127
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Frankfurt, Germany: $138
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Prague, Czech Republic: 145 USD
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Brussels, Belgium: 171 USD
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Geneva, Switzerland: 157 USD
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Budapest, Hungary: 175 USD
Even the average daily prices for rental cars in tourist destinations in Spain (Madrid and Barcelona), Ireland (Dublin and Shannon) and Italy (Lian and Rome) are among the cheapest in Europe.
However, many adventurers don’t just want to explore the typical holiday traps in Europe. If you want to travel but are on a budget, Mariana Montes, travel expert and writer at Vibe Adventures, recommends an Eastern Europe route that gives you a wider choice of countries, including some stops in the Balkans.
From Trieste in Italy, you can cross Slovenia before winding through Croatia, Serbia, Romania and Turkey. “Then you can arrive in Macedonia and start the round trip in reverse. On a 25-day holiday, you could have spent only 625 euros ($680),” Montes said. “There may be cities and places where you can spend much less than 30 euros. It will be enough to visit sights, eat in good restaurants and sleep without having to worry.”
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10 cities in Europe where you can travel cheaply
Here are 10 perfect, cheap getaways in Europe for curious globetrotters, from some well-traveled experts.
1. Timisoara, Romania
According to global luggage storage app Bounce, Timisoara is the cheapest city break destination in Europe according to the City Break Cost Index 2023. A hotel room in the city costs $105 per night and transportation is affordable too (the average taxi fare per kilometer is $0.66). Voted European Capital of Culture in 2021, the city is packed with cultural activities that will appeal to even the most discerning traveler.
2. Vieste, Italy
“Vieste in Puglia is a hidden gem that most people don’t talk about but is a must-visit,” says Taima Ramsey, travel expert and founder of the website Poor in a Private Plane. “You can book a beachfront resort, including lounge chairs, for under $100 a night. Some even offer half or full board. Most restaurants offer meals for around 10 euros ($11), but there are a few hidden Michelin restaurants where you can spend more. We did a tour of the caves for just 20 euros ($22.85) per person. And there are even free beaches where you can just lay out your towel and enjoy the sun, sand and sea without paying a dime.”
3. Málaga, Spain
“The Costa del Sol region in the south of mainland Spain is a charming and affordable holiday destination, with the capital city of Malaga being one of the most affordable areas along the coast,” said Mercedes Zach, travel expert at ASAP Tickets. “Plus, almost everything is within walking distance and the weather is lovely and warm all year round, with an average temperature of 25°C during the summer months. As well as its 16 sunny beaches, this Andalusian city on the Mediterranean coast has a fascinating cultural side.”
4. Riga, Latvia
A Baltic beauty, Riga is sometimes overlooked when considering Europe’s most affordable cities. Art-loving tourists will appreciate Riga’s Gothic churches, medieval buildings, Art Nouveau-adorned streets, wooden houses and contemporary artwork. It’s also a budget-friendly and family-friendly destination (child-friendly activities and restaurants are marked with an orange badge). Riga’s Old Town is steeped in over 800 years of history and has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
5. Kaunas, Lithuania
Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, has long been considered one of the cheapest destinations, but heading a little further west to Kaunas will save you even more money. Kaunas was named one of the 2022 European Capitals of Culture for its music, art, and theater. Visitors will find plenty of free activities and events here, and according to Condé Nast Traveler, accommodation rates at four-star hotels start at $75 a night. The annual CityTelling Festival highlights the city’s Jewish heritage, and a cable car ride up Aleksoto Hill costs just a few euros for the best views of this Baltic city.
6. Brno, Czech Republic
Brno in the Czech Republic is the second cheapest city break in Europe, according to Bounce. Transport, food and drink are cheap, and there’s plenty to do in this lively, charming Moravian city. Avoid the hordes of predictable tourists in Prague and experience the more leisurely Czech way of life instead.
7. Desenzano Del Garda, Lake Garda, Italy
“I travel to Italy often, so I have lots of recommendations,” Ramsey added. “Desenzano is a great alternative to Lake Como. We booked an apartment for under $100 a night, just steps from the main piazza. Food and drinks are relatively inexpensive compared to its neighbors. The selection is under €10, and the average restaurant meal is around €15.”
8. Tirana, Albania
Zach recommends Albania’s beautiful coastline for beach lovers, but advises first-time travelers to “start by exploring the capital, Tirana, which stands out with its colorful Soviet-era architecture and historic monuments and is quickly transforming into a vibrant, cosmopolitan center with much to offer.”
9. Klagenfurt, Austria
Main courses can cost as little as $7 in Klagenfurt, and the farmers’ market at Benediktinerplatz is a fantastic place to find local bargains, notes Condé Naste. The town is also one of the most picturesque in Austria due to its stunning location on the eastern shore of Lake Wörthersee. The cheapest time to visit is in June, when the waterfront is free of summer tourists and irrational swimmers.
10. Madeira, Portugal
Many people think of Lisbon as an expensive city, but it is often ranked among the most affordable cities in Europe. However, you can find cheaper – and equally beautiful – places in Portugal. “Madeira has gained popularity in recent years, but it is still considered a hidden gem,” says Ramsey. “You can find hotels and accommodations for under $100 and vacation packages with flights, hotels and even tours for under $1,000. Flights from the U.S. vary, but the cheapest I’ve seen is $400. Food on the island is inexpensive compared to many European cities, with most meals averaging between 10 and 15 euros (about $10.90 to $16.40).”
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: I’m a travel expert: Here are 10 cities in Europe where you can travel cheaply
