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!
- 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.
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