Looking for budget-friendly vacation ideas in Europe? These are some of the best – and cheapest – cities in Europe to visit. They’re all listed in 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.
Budget-Friendly Places To Visit in Europe in 2020
How do these rankings work?
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Prague, Czech Republic
Average daily cost on a budget: €47.31
Nicknamed “the City of a Hundred Spires,” it’s known for its Old Town Square and historic monuments. Winding streets and a unique atmosphere makes Prague a top spot to visit.
It’s a city that is rich in history and character, as shown by the Gothic and medieval influences of its buildings.
5. Santorini, Greece
Average daily cost on a budget: €47.47
Santorini is actually a group of islands consisting of Thíra, Thirassiá, Asproníssi, Palea and Nea Kaméni. Beaches with volcanic black or red sand and clear blue waters make this an ideal holiday spot. With the famous Santorini sunsets and cheap eats, it’s no wonder that it’s one of the most popular vacation ideas for Europe.
6. Tallinn, Estonia
Average daily cost on a budget: €49.89
The capital of Estonia, Tallinn is a gorgeous city that blends an old town with a growing modernism and which is the perfect holiday destination. The city sits on the Baltic sea and is packed full of culture, great food and friendly locals. Basically, everything you could ask for from your next city break in Europe.
7. Moscow, Russia
Average daily cost on a budget: €49.96
Russia’s cosmopolitan capital, Moscow is a beautiful place to visit in any season.
Colourful domes and bell chimes ring out from over 600 churches in the city, and the sense of history is immense. Culture lovers will be impressed with the museums and ballet. It’s a great vacation idea in Europe and is something different from the norm.
