You can have a world-class European vacation without the shocking price tag.
The dream of a European vacation is often met with the harsh reality of a shocking price tag. The famous capitals of London, Paris, and Rome can be incredibly expensive, with the cost of hotels and dining quickly draining a travel budget. The good news is that Europe is full of incredible, world-class cities that offer an equally rich cultural experience for a fraction of the price.
These are the destinations where your travel dollar will stretch much further, proving that a magical European getaway doesn’t have to break the bank.
1. Lisbon, Portugal is a beautiful and budget-friendly coastal capital.
Lisbon has become one of the most popular cities in Europe, and for good reason. It offers a stunning setting on the Tagus River, beautiful historic neighborhoods with tiled facades, and a vibrant, soulful atmosphere. What makes it so appealing is that it is still one of the most affordable capital cities in Western Europe, as shared by Find Us Lost.
You can eat a delicious seafood dinner with wine for a very reasonable price, and the cost of public transportation and attractions is very low. It’s a city that offers an incredible value for the money, a perfect blend of beauty and affordability.
2. Prague, Czech Republic feels like a fairytale that you can actually afford.
The city of Prague, with its stunning medieval Old Town Square, its fairytale-like castle, and its iconic Charles Bridge, is one of the most beautiful and well-preserved cities in the world. Despite its immense popularity, it remains a surprisingly affordable destination compared to its Western European counterparts. The city’s famous beer is famously cheaper than water in many pubs.
While the prices in the absolute center of the old town can be high, just a few blocks away you can find fantastic, traditional Czech restaurants and bars that are incredibly cheap. It’s a city that allows you to feel like you’re in a fairytale without the princely price tag, as mentioned by Voye Global.
3. Budapest, Hungary is the grand “Pearl of the Danube”.
Budapest is a city of grand, imperial beauty, with stunning architecture that rivals that of Vienna or Paris. The city is split by the Danube River and is famous for its magnificent Parliament building, its historic thermal baths, and its unique and funky “ruin bars.” Despite its grandeur, Budapest is still a remarkably affordable city to visit, according to World of Wanderlust.
You can enjoy a slice of decadent cake in a historic coffee house or a hearty bowl of goulash for just a few dollars. The city has a rich history and a vibrant, creative energy that makes it a fantastic and budget-friendly destination.
4. Krakow, Poland is a historic and cultural gem.
Krakow is the cultural and intellectual heart of Poland and is one of the most beautiful and underrated cities in all of Europe. The city’s massive, medieval Main Market Square is one of the grandest in Europe, and the entire historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city is also home to the beautiful Wawel Castle and a vibrant historic Jewish quarter.
The city is incredibly affordable, from the food and the drink to the hotels and the museums. It is a city that is packed with history, beauty, and a powerful, resilient spirit.
5. Athens, Greece is an ancient city with a modern, affordable vibe.
While the Greek islands can be very expensive, the city of Athens offers an incredible value for a major European capital. The city is, of course, home to some of the most important ancient sites in the Western world, including the magnificent Acropolis. Beyond the ancient ruins, however, Athens is a vibrant, modern city with a fantastic street art scene and a lively and affordable food culture.
You can have a delicious and incredibly cheap meal of souvlaki or gyros from a street vendor and then enjoy a drink at a rooftop bar with a view of the floodlit Parthenon.
6. Valencia, Spain is a relaxed and affordable alternative to Barcelona.
For a city with a similar combination of historic architecture, a great beach, and a world-class food scene, but with a more relaxed and affordable feel than Barcelona, head south to Valencia. Spain’s third-largest city is the home of paella and boasts a stunningly futuristic City of Arts and Sciences complex. The old town is a beautiful maze of gothic architecture.
The cost of food, accommodation, and attractions in Valencia is significantly lower than in Barcelona or Madrid. It is a fantastic and often overlooked city that offers an incredible value.
7. Riga, Latvia is the Art Nouveau capital of the Baltics.
The capital of Latvia, Riga, is the largest city in the Baltic states and is a true hidden gem. The city’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is famous for having the finest and most extensive collection of Art Nouveau architecture in the entire world. A walk through the city is a feast for the eyes, with hundreds of incredibly ornate and beautiful buildings.
The city also has a vibrant nightlife and a fantastic, modern food scene. It is a very affordable destination that offers a unique and sophisticated cultural experience that is a world away from the usual European tourist trail.
8. Porto, Portugal is a charming and gritty wine hub.
While Lisbon gets a lot of the attention, Portugal’s second city, Porto, is a fantastic and even more affordable destination. The city has a charming, gritty, and incredibly atmospheric old town that is a UNESCO World Heritage site, set on the steep banks of the Douro River. The city is the home of port wine, and you can take a tour and a tasting at one of the famous port lodges.
The food is fantastic and hearty, and the city has a cool, creative vibe. It is a city with a deep and authentic soul, and it is a wonderful, budget-friendly choice.
9. Zagreb, Croatia is a quirky and fun inland capital.
While most tourists in Croatia flock to the expensive coastal towns, the inland capital of Zagreb offers a completely different and much more affordable experience. The city has a beautiful, Austro-Hungarian-era historic center, a quirky and fun vibe, and a thriving cafe culture. The city is also home to the unique and fascinating Museum of Broken Relationships.
Zagreb has a vibrant street life and a host of excellent and very affordable restaurants and bars. It is a city that is full of surprises and is a perfect and budget-friendly introduction to the charms of Central Europe.