Think Europe is too expensive to visit on a budget? Think again! While cities like London, Paris, and Rome can drain your wallet fast, there are plenty of stunning destinations where you can travel comfortably for under £50 per day.
From hidden gems to affordable capital cities, this guide will show you the best budget-friendly places to explore in 2025, covering cheap accommodation, food, and must-do activities—without sacrificing adventure!
Let’s dive in!
1. Kraków, Poland – Affordable Culture and History
Budget Breakdown:
✔️ Hostel dorm: £8–£15
✔️ Meals: £5–£10 per day
✔️ Public transport: £1 per ride
Why visit?
✅ Explore the stunning Old Town and Wawel Castle (free!)
✅ Try delicious Polish pierogi for just a few pounds
✅ Take a budget-friendly day trip to Auschwitz or the Wieliczka Salt Mine
2. Budapest, Hungary – The Spa City on a Budget
Budget Breakdown:
✔️ Hostel dorm: £10–£18
✔️ Local meals: £5 per meal
✔️ Transport pass: £3 per day
Why visit?
✅ Relax in the iconic thermal baths (under £10!)
✅ Enjoy cheap street food like langos and chimney cakes
✅ Take a sunset cruise on the Danube for just a few pounds
3. Sofia, Bulgaria – One of Europe’s Cheapest Capitals
Budget Breakdown:
✔️ Hostel dorm: £8–£14
✔️ Local meals: £3–£7
✔️ Free walking tours available
Why visit?
✅ Free entry to most historical sites, including Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
✅ Affordable day trips to Rila Monastery or Vitosha Mountain
✅ Budget-friendly nightlife with drinks under £2 each
4. Porto, Portugal – A Cheap Alternative to Lisbon
Budget Breakdown:
✔️ Hostel dorm: £12–£20
✔️ Food & drinks: £10–£15 per day
✔️ Public transport: £1.50 per ride
Why visit?
✅ Explore the beautiful Ribeira district (free!)
✅ Wine tasting in Porto is affordable (and often includes free samples!)
✅ Visit the stunning beaches just outside the city (free!)
5. Belgrade, Serbia – The Balkans’ Budget Capital
Budget Breakdown:
✔️ Hostel dorm: £8–£15
✔️ Meals: £4–£8
✔️ Free attractions & walking tours
Why visit?
✅ Experience Europe’s best budget nightlife
✅ Walk along the Danube and explore Belgrade Fortress (free!)
✅ Cheap bus trips to nearby towns like Novi Sad
6. Riga, Latvia – A Fairytale City on a Budget
Budget Breakdown:
✔️ Hostel dorm: £10–£18
✔️ Meals: £6–£10 per day
✔️ Public transport: £1.50 per ride
Why visit?
✅ Stunning art nouveau architecture and cobbled streets
✅ Free walking tours and budget-friendly local markets
✅ Easy access to affordable Baltic beaches
7. Vilnius, Lithuania – Europe’s Most Underrated Capital
Budget Breakdown:
✔️ Hostel dorm: £8–£14
✔️ Food & drinks: £5–£10 per day
✔️ Free walking tours available
Why visit?
✅ Explore Užupis, the city’s bohemian district
✅ Visit the beautiful Gediminas Tower for stunning views
✅ Enjoy budget-friendly Lithuanian beer
8. Bucharest, Romania – A Hidden Eastern European Gem
Budget Breakdown:
✔️ Hostel dorm: £7–£15
✔️ Meals: £4–£8 per day
✔️ Free walking tours available
Why visit?
✅ Visit the massive Palace of Parliament (just a few pounds!)
✅ Explore the charming Old Town’s cafés and bars
✅ Take a cheap day trip to Dracula’s Castle
9. Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina – The Most Affordable Balkan City
Budget Breakdown:
✔️ Hostel dorm: £6–£12
✔️ Food & drinks: £5–£10 per day
✔️ Public transport: £1 per ride
Why visit?
✅ Explore the historic bazaar and Ottoman-era streets
✅ Enjoy cheap traditional food, including cevapi and burek
✅ Affordable day trips to Mostar and Kravice Waterfalls
10. Bratislava, Slovakia – Cheap & Charming
Budget Breakdown:
✔️ Hostel dorm: £9–£16
✔️ Meals: £6–£10 per day
✔️ Free walking tours available
Why visit?
✅ Explore Bratislava Castle (free!)
✅ Enjoy cheap but high-quality Slovak beer
✅ Take a £5 ferry ride to Vienna for a day trip
11. Valencia, Spain – A Budget-Friendly Spanish Escape
Budget Breakdown:
✔️ Hostel dorm: £10–£18
✔️ Meals: £6–£12 per day
✔️ Free beaches & attractions
Why visit?
✅ No entrance fee to the famous City of Arts and Sciences
✅ Try authentic paella for under £10
✅ Relax on Valencia’s beautiful beaches (free!)
12. Thessaloniki, Greece – A Cheaper Alternative to Athens
Budget Breakdown:
✔️ Hostel dorm: £9–£15
✔️ Meals: £6–£12 per day
✔️ Free historical sites
Why visit?
✅ Visit ancient ruins and stunning waterfront views (free!)
✅ Cheap street food like gyros and souvlaki
✅ Budget-friendly island-hopping options
13. Ljubljana, Slovenia – Europe’s Most Green & Affordable Capital
Budget Breakdown:
✔️ Hostel dorm: £10–£18
✔️ Meals: £6–£12 per day
✔️ Free public transport in city centre
Why visit?
✅ Boat rides on the Ljubljanica River (just a few pounds!)
✅ Visit Lake Bled on an affordable day trip
✅ Enjoy a budget-friendly food market experience
14. Istanbul, Turkey – Where East Meets West on a Budget
Budget Breakdown:
✔️ Hostel dorm: £7–£14
✔️ Meals: £4–£10 per day
✔️ Free historical attractions
Why visit?
✅ Visit Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque (free!)
✅ Cheap ferry rides across the Bosphorus
✅ Delicious and affordable street food like simit and kebabs
Final Thoughts: Travel Europe for Less!
Exploring Europe doesn’t have to cost a fortune. These 15 destinations prove you can experience incredible culture, history, and adventure for under £50 a day.
