Budget Travel Across Europe: Country-by-Country Guide to Affordable Adventures

Last Updated on 20 July 2025 by Johan

Europe doesn’t have to be expensive — it all depends on where you go, how you travel, and when. Here’s a practical guide to the most budget-friendly countries across Europe, perfect for backpackers, students, and savvy travelers.

Albania: The Balkan Bargain

  • Daily budget: €30–€40
  • Top spots: Tirana, Berat, Saranda
  • Highlights: Affordable hostels, stunning Adriatic beaches, traditional cuisine for under €5
  • Tip: Public minibuses (furgons) cost a fraction of taxis and offer a local experience.

Bulgaria: Cheap Meets Charming

  • Daily budget: €35–€45
  • Top spots: Sofia, Plovdiv, Veliko Tarnovo
  • Highlights: Cheap ski resorts, cultural cities, hearty food
  • Tip: Use domestic bus networks — fast, reliable, and ultra-affordable.

Romania: Mountains and Medieval Magic

  • Daily budget: €35–€50
  • Top spots: Bucharest, Brasov, Sibiu
  • Highlights: Carpathian hiking, castles, hearty meals for €4–€6
  • Tip: Trains are slow but scenic; opt for bus travel if pressed for time.

Hungary: Spa & Savings in One

  • Daily budget: €40–€55
  • Top spots: Budapest, Eger, Lake Balaton
  • Highlights: Thermal baths, ruin pubs, hearty street food
  • Tip: Budapest’s public transport system is fast, clean, and inexpensive.

Poland: History on a Shoestring

  • Daily budget: €45–€60
  • Top spots: Kraków, Warsaw, Gdańsk
  • Highlights: Museums, castles, and dumplings for less than €5
  • Tip: Buy museum combo passes to save even more.

Czech Republic: Beer for Under €2

  • Daily budget: €45–€65
  • Top spots: Prague, Český Krumlov, Brno
  • Highlights: Fairy-tale towns, cheap beer, well-connected trains
  • Tip: Visit in shoulder seasons (spring/fall) for better deals and fewer crowds.

Portugal: Surf, Culture, and Low Prices

  • Daily budget: €50–€70
  • Top spots: Lisbon, Porto, Algarve
  • Highlights: Free walking tours, beaches, fresh seafood for €10
  • Tip: Use regional trains for coastal exploration — scenic and budget-friendly.

Spain: Sun and Savings (Outside Big Cities)

  • Daily budget: €50–€75
  • Top spots: Granada, Valencia, Seville
  • Highlights: Tapas culture, free attractions, vibrant neighborhoods
  • Tip: Avoid Barcelona and Madrid for cheaper experiences.

Ukraine (limited access – budget powerhouse)

  • Daily budget: €25–€35
  • Top spots: Lviv, Kyiv, Odessa
  • Highlights: Coffee culture, historical sites, ultra-low costs
  • Tip: Check travel advisories before booking due to geopolitical situation.

General Tips for Budget Travel in Europe

  • Use apps like Omio or Rome2Rio to compare transport options
  • Hostels with kitchens help cut food costs
  • Night buses or trains save on accommodation
  • Student & youth discounts are widely available in museums and public transport
  • Travel off-season (October–April) for lowest prices

Europe offers something for every wallet. Whether it’s soaking in thermal waters in Hungary or sampling street food in Albania, traveling smart means your budget goes much further.