Broke but Wanderlusty? These 10 Ridiculously Cheap European Countries That Cost Less Than You Imagine

I used to think Europe was out of reach. Most of us do.

Every postcard feels pricey. Coffee, hotels, the whole thing; it adds up fast.

Until I started looking beyond the famous cities. And what I found surprised me.

Europe is a patchwork of prices. Some countries are shockingly affordable.

They’re full of culture, good food, and authentic moments, all without draining your wallet.

This list rounds up 10 ridiculously cheap European countries that cost less than you think.

Think smart, travel curious, and you might be closer to a real European adventure than you imagined.

10 Ridiculously Cheap European Countries to Visit in 2025

1. Portugal: Atlantic Breezes and Old-World Charm

Portugal is the perfect gateway to affordable Europe. It has a classic Western European feel. But its prices are a very pleasant surprise. It offers amazing value compared to its neighbor, Spain.

Cost Snapshot

A mid-range trip here costs about $100-$150 per day. You can find great mid-range hotels in Lisbon for around $80-$185 a night.

Even better, Lisbon serves some of Western Europe’s cheapest meals. A three-course dinner for two with wine can cost just $62.

Must-Do Experiences

Get lost in the steep, winding streets of Lisbon’s Alfama district. Hear the soulful sound of Fado music drifting from a tiny tavern. And you must taste a warm pastel de nata (custard tart) from a local bakery.

Insider Tip

Eat like a local to save a fortune. Find a small, family-run ‘Tascas’ for the menu of the day (prato do dia). You can get a full, delicious meal for under €10.

The 24-hour public transport pass is a steal at just €6.40.

2. Hungary: One of the Most Affordable European Destinations

Budapest is a city of stunning contrasts. You will see grand imperial architecture. You will also feel the edgy energy of its famous “ruin bars.” It is easily one of Europe’s most affordable capital cities.

Cost Snapshot

Your daily budget here can be as low as $50-$100 for a great time. Comfortable mid-range hotels are easy to find for $60-$100 per night.

A hearty local meal costs just $10-$20. A beer will only set you back about $2-$3.

Must-Do Experiences

Soaking in the historic Széchenyi Thermal Bath is a must. It is a beloved local tradition, not just a tourist stop.

Then, explore the ruin bars in the old Jewish Quarter. These quirky bars are built in the ruins of abandoned buildings.

Insider Tip

Head to the Great Market Hall for a cheap and amazing lunch. The upper floor has food stalls serving traditional goulash.

You can also try lángos, a fried dough with delicious toppings, for just a few dollars!

3. Czech Republic: A Fairytale Land of Castles

Prague is a city that is incredibly popular but remains one of the most affordable European destinations. 

Use it as your base to explore a country full of treasures. The city of Brno offers a similar vibe with even fewer crowds.

Cost Snapshot

A mid-range traveler can live well on $75-$150 per day. Mid-range hotels cost about the same, but a hostel dorm can be as cheap as $11 a night.

A traditional meal with a beer at a local pub, or hospoda, costs around $11. Beer is famously cheaper than water here.

Must-Do Experiences

Wake up early to walk across the Charles Bridge at sunrise. You will have this magical space almost to yourself.

The vast grounds of Prague Castle are also free to explore. You can enjoy incredible city views without buying a ticket.

Insider Tip

A public transport ticket is your key to a free sightseeing tour. Trams 9, 17, and 22 pass many of the city’s most famous landmarks. A 72-hour pass costs only €15, a fantastic deal.

4. Poland: A Resilient Nation with a Rich History

Poland offers a deeply moving travel experience. Its cities have been beautifully restored after a turbulent history. This resilience is inspiring. And the country remains incredibly light on the wallet!

Cost Snapshot

A mid-range daily budget is around 330 PLN (about $83). Good budget hotels cost between 150-275 PLN ($38-$70).

A filling meal at a traditional milk bar is about 30 PLN (~$7.50). A large local beer is only 8-12 PLN (~$2-$3).

Must-Do Experiences

A visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum is a sobering but essential experience. Balance this with the vibrant life in Krakow’s Main Market Square.

Also, explore Warsaw’s Old Town. It is a UNESCO site that was completely rebuilt after World War II.

Insider Tip

For the most authentic and cheap meals, eat at a Bar Mleczny (Milk Bar). These are Soviet-era canteens. They serve delicious Polish food like pierogi for just a few dollars. It is a true cultural experience.

5. Romania: Wild Mountains and Medieval Myths

Many people know Romania for the legend of Dracula. But this country is so much more than spooky castles. It has dramatic mountains and charming medieval towns. It is a land of incredible diversity and value.

Cost Snapshot

You can have a great mid-range trip for $45-$70 per day. A comfortable mid-range hotel averages just $53 a night.

A full restaurant meal can cost as little as $5-$15. A local beer often costs less than $2.

Must-Do Experiences

Driving the Transfăgărășan Highway is an epic adventure. This winding road cuts through the Carpathian Mountains. You can also visit the unique Painted Monasteries of Bucovina.

And for something truly weird and wonderful, check out the underground amusement park in the Turda Salt Mine.

Insider Tip

Romania’s trains are a fantastic way to travel. They are cheap and offer stunning views. Use the train to hop between historic Transylvanian cities like Brasov and Sibiu. It is slow travel at its absolute best.

Also Read: THIS European City Just Beat (Paris, London, Prague) in Tourist Safety in 2025

6. Albania: Europe’s Hidden Riviera Gem

Albania is one of the best cheap European countries for a beach holiday. It feels like the Mediterranean’s last secret. It offers stunning coastlines like Greece or Italy. But it comes without the crowds or high prices.

Cost Snapshot

This country is unbelievably affordable. A mid-range daily budget is around 9,000 ALL (~$102). Budget hotels are a steal at 2,500-3,500 ALL (~$27-$37) per night.

You can get a full meal for about 500 ALL (~$5.30). A beer costs just 150 ALL (~$1.60).

Must-Do Experiences

Relax on the pristine beaches of the Albanian Riviera. The turquoise water at Ksamil and Himara is breathtaking.

For a change of scenery, head to the Albanian Alps. This rugged mountain range is a paradise for hikers.

Insider Tip

For the ultimate budget adventure, try wild camping. It is legal to pitch a tent on most public land in Albania. This means you can wake up on a beautiful, secluded beach completely for free.

7. Bulgaria: Black Sea Beaches and Ancient History

Bulgaria is a country of incredible variety. You can relax on the sunny Black Sea coast.

Or you can explore Sofia, a capital layered with thousands of years of history. It is a perfect mix of relaxation and discovery.

Cost Snapshot

A mid-range traveler can expect to spend about 135 BGN (~$74) per day. Budget hotels cost between 50-100 BGN ($27-$55).

A restaurant meal is 12-30 BGN (~$6.50-$16.50). A refreshing beer is only 4 BGN (~$2.20).

Must-Do Experiences

Visit the ancient city of Plovdiv. It is one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. Its Roman amphitheater is simply stunning.

Also, do not miss the Rila Monastery. This UNESCO World Heritage site is nestled in the mountains. It is a masterpiece of religious art and architecture.

Insider Tip

The popular Sunny Beach resort can be crowded and expensive. For a more authentic and affordable beach trip, explore Sozopol and Nessebar. These charming old towns are further down the coast.

8. Bosnia and Herzegovina: A Crossroads of Culture

This country will capture your heart. It has stunning natural beauty and a powerful, complex history. The people are warm and welcoming.

And the landscapes are some of the most dramatic in the Balkans. It is one of the most rewarding cheap European countries to visit.

Cost Snapshot

A mid-range daily budget is around 160 BAM (~$88). You can rent an entire Airbnb apartment for as little as 40 BAM (~$22) a night.

A sit-down meal costs $8-$19. A local beer is a bargain at just 3 BAM (~$1.79).

Must-Do Experiences

The Stari Most (Old Bridge) in Mostar is an unforgettable sight. This beautiful Ottoman-style bridge is a UNESCO site. It stands as a powerful symbol of resilience.

For a natural escape, swim in the emerald pools of Kravica Waterfall. It is a perfect, cheap alternative to Croatia’s crowded beaches.

Insider Tip

Sarajevo’s Old Town, Bašcaršija, has a unique “East meets West” feel. You can find a mosque, a cathedral, and a synagogue within a few blocks. It is a living museum that is completely free to explore.

9. North Macedonia: Lakeside Serenity on a Budget

Ready for a real adventure? North Macedonia is one of Europe’s cheapest and least-visited countries. It offers a deep dive into ancient history. You will also find serene natural beauty around every corner.

Cost Snapshot

A mid-range traveler can easily get by on $30-$50 per day. Guesthouses and budget hotels cost just $25-$50 a night.

A local meal is about $9, and a beer is less than $2. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs around 350 MKD (~$6).

Must-Do Experiences

The country’s jewel is Lake Ohrid. This ancient, deep lake is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is surrounded by historic monasteries and charming villages.

Also explore Skopje’s surreal, statue-filled city center. Then take a boat trip through the dramatic Matka Canyon.

Insider Tip

North Macedonia is a hiker’s dream. Most of its national parks, like Mavrovo, have no entrance fees. This gives you free access to world-class trails and stunning views.

10. Slovakia: A Mountain Paradise of Castles

Think of Slovakia as the smart traveler’s alternative to the Alps. It has breathtaking mountain scenery. It also has more castles per capita than any other country.

You get all of this for a fraction of the cost of Switzerland or Austria!

Cost Snapshot

A mid-range daily budget is around €118 (~$126). You can find a good mid-range hotel for about €55 ($59) per night.

A meal costs about €35 (~$37). A beer is an incredible €1 (~$1.07).

Must-Do Experiences

Go hiking in the spectacular High Tatras mountains. These trails are just as beautiful as those in the Alps. 

Also, visit Spiš Castle. This vast, ruined UNESCO site looks like something from a fantasy novel. It is an unforgettable sight.

Insider Tip

Like some of its neighbors, Slovakia allows wild camping on most public land. This does not apply to national parks.

For outdoor lovers, it is an amazing way to experience the country’s nature for almost nothing.

Europe is Within Your Reach

As you can see, a trip to Europe does not have to drain your bank account. You can have an amazing time without spending a fortune.

By exploring these incredible, cheap European countries, you save money. You also discover a more authentic side of the continent.

The best travel memories often come from unexpected places. They are light on your wallet but heavy with culture and beauty.

So, stop letting your budget hold you back. The cobblestone streets and sun-drenched beaches of Europe are waiting!