Some people who travel on a tight budget don’t think Europe has any inexpensive countries to visit, but that’s not true. We’ll share some places where you can plan a very affordable vacation.
Even though Europe has popular and expensive destinations like France, Ireland, and Norway, there are still culturally rich countries where you can spend $50 or less per day. This applies even to the western part of Europe.
In this article, I’ll list our favorite affordable European countries for 2022 and show you both the exciting must-see places and the cheapest options.
1. Bulgaria
Bulgaria surprised us the most when we traveled to Europe and planned a cheap vacation with a tight budget. It is undoubtedly one of the least expensive countries in Europe and offers great value overall.
You won’t believe how affordable and beautiful Bulgaria is until you stay in those charming hostels located in centuries-old buildings. You can enjoy free walking tours and meals that are incredibly valuable, both in terms of taste and cost.
The Bulgarian people are among the friendliest in Europe, and the country is blessed with captivating old towns, ornate churches, delicious food, and top-notch wine. There are also many festivals to enjoy, especially during the summer, and the nature is pristine. But it’s hard to beat the value for money you get in Bulgaria.
2. Hungary
Hungary is known as one of the least expensive countries in Europe every year. While many tourists go to Budapest for the hot springs, impressive cathedrals, and vibrant nightlife, they often miss out on other interesting towns and villages in Hungary. It’s also worth visiting neighboring cities like Pécs, Miskolc, and Eger.
If you’re looking for affordable flight deals to Hungary, take a look at Wizz Air, a budget airline based in Budapest. Wizz Air offers flights to more than 60 destinations, making it easy to reach Hungary no matter where you are in Europe.
3. Istanbul
Istanbul has a complex and rich history that connects East and West, Europe and Asia. It used to be the capital of the Ottoman and Byzantine empires, and this has resulted in numerous cherished monuments in the city.
While Istanbul may appear peaceful from a distance, the atmosphere inside is wonderfully chaotic. You can explore the lively streets and bustling market stalls that have defined the city for centuries. Being a crossroads of civilizations and continents for many years, Istanbul surprises visitors with its fast pace, ancient past, and vibrant present culture.
The natural landscape is also impressive. The city is divided by the Bosphorus, a narrow strait that links the Sea of Marmara in the south to the Black Sea in the north. When you look out onto the blue waters, you’ll see a skyline adorned with domes, spires, and modern towers.
4. Slovakia
Even though Bratislava is the biggest city and capital of Slovakia, a lot of travelers simply pass by it on their way to Vienna or Budapest. However, this delightful city is worth spending a few days exploring if you want a more affordable choice in Europe.
While hotels in Slovakia are quite inexpensive compared to other parts of Europe, the real deal in Bratislava is the cost of food and drinks. With just €5, you can indulge in multiple bottles of beer or even enjoy a three-course lunch.
5. Valencia
Valencia is beautiful to look at and doesn’t cost much to enjoy. The green colors in the Jardà del Túria stand out against the golden sand and sparkling blue waves of the beaches. The oranges in Valencia are as vibrant in color as they are delicious in taste.
Those who claim that this Spanish coastal city lacks charm probably haven’t strolled beneath the citrus trees, witnessing the blossoms falling onto the cobblestone streets. They may not have heard the sounds of the Valencian dialect amidst the bustling produce stands of the Mercado Central.
Valencia used to be overshadowed by bigger cities for a long time, but now it offers a blend of Madrid’s history and Barcelona’s modern atmosphere, all for a fraction of the cost.
6. Poland
Poland has always been a popular choice for students who are tourists because the prices there are lower than Western countries like France and Spain. However, the amazing attractions to see in Poland are just as impressive.
The Tatra Mountains, Wawel Castle, Lazienki Park, Krakow Cloth Hall, Slowinski National Park, Jasna Gora Monastery, and many other places are definitely worth a visit!
You will be pleasantly surprised by the affordability of certain things like hotels and food, which are much cheaper compared to other cities in the West. If you’re on a tight budget and looking for the most inexpensive vacation possible, Poland will be like a dream come true for you.
7. Romania
Romania is not what you might think it is. The beautiful Transylvania area, in particular, surprises people with its charming old towns, historic churches, and breathtaking Carpathian mountains. It’s definitely one of my favorite places to visit in Europe.
You can easily manage with a budget of around $30 – $40 per day if you’re a backpacker. For vacationers, you can find trendy bed and breakfast accommodations starting at $30 per night. Even in an upscale restaurant in Brasov, I had a hard time spending more than $25 per person.
8. Vilnius
Vilnius is a small and charming city. It may not have the same tourist attractions as other popular European destinations, but don’t let that discourage you from visiting! Vilnius is a hidden treasure with lots of breathtaking sights and exciting experiences.
You can admire the Gediminas Castle Tower, the Vilnius Cathedral, and many stunning examples of 16th-century architecture. If you’re thinking about traveling to Eastern Europe, Vilnius will give you a wonderful glimpse into the local culture and way of life.
Vilnius offers a variety of great hotels, backpacker hostels, and accommodations with self-catering facilities. If you want to have a cost-effective trip, buying food from supermarkets is incredibly inexpensive. By avoiding restaurants, you can save even more money on your tight budget.
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