Do you want to have a weekend in a city in Europe but you don’t have a big budget to allocate for your holidays? I have selected for you the 11 cheapest European cities to visit.
Travel is well and truly back, Covid-19 tests for tourists are less and less in demand, and travelers have had a craving for travel since the pandemic.
For those who are short on cash, there are many interesting and affordable places on the European continent that you can visit without breaking the bank. Plus, many of them are off the beaten path, meaning you won’t have to wade through crowds to get to tourist spots. We’ve calculated the average price of a night in each city to determine where you can spend a few days of vacation at a reduced price. From the ruined city of Argos in Greece to the foodie paradise of Graz in Austria, here are 11 of the cheapest cities to visit in Europe.
Krakow in Poland
Festival vibe meets old world history in Krakow. We recommend that you visit as many medieval sites as possible, then spend a good evening in a restaurant and then in one of the many bars in the city. Try to time your trip to coincide with one of the city’s many festivals, which range from the more typical to the more obscure, like the International Soup Festival. Average price for one night in Krakow: €72
Riga in Latvia
In Riga, everything revolves around art nouveau. The architecture is truly stunning and there is a huge and vibrant creative scene. Check out Putti, a modern gallery and event space, or Rīgas Birža for something more traditional. Looking for something less refined? Alcohol here is really cheap so if you’re looking to relax, head to the old town to check out the town’s many themed bars. Average price for one night in Riga: 60€
Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic
The city of Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic with a view of the castle, is an incredible discovery to visit for a weekend.
Český Krumlov looks a lot like the city of Prague, but without the bachelor parties. Its labyrinthine and baroque streets all lead you, eventually, to the huge castle complex in the center. It’s beautiful in the summer, but for the truly scenic views, go in the winter, when the town is blanketed in snow. Keep warm in one of the many cozy cafes or try traditional cuisine in one of the many restaurants in town. Average price for one night in Cesky Krumlov: €93
Bucharest in Romania
Bucharest in Romania is great if you are looking to have a good time. Don’t stay in the city near the night bars, just make sure to avoid the overrated bars near the center and head to one of the many sky bars instead. You can also try traditional, delicious and hearty dishes at great prices. Our recommendation is the legendary Caru’ cu Bere – order the grilled pork with sauerkraut. Average price for one night in Bucharest: 55€
Belgrade in Serbia
Chaotic, gritty, crowded and super cheap, Belgrade is anything but a quiet place to get away. Bars and small, smoky music venues are tucked away in old communist architecture, vying for space in the once desolate region of Savamala, now home to a thriving cultural scene. Head to Ada Ciganlija, an island on the Sava River, if you’re looking to find a little slice of tranquil nature. Average price for one night in Belgrade: 48€
Kaunas in Lithuania
Kaunas is going to be big this year. It’s one of the European Capitals of Culture for 2022, and 1,000 incredible events are planned to celebrate it. If you can’t make it to any of them, there are plenty of really impressive exhibition spaces that are open year-round, like the Mykolas Žilinskas Art Gallery. And if you want something a little weirder, head to the eerie Devil’s Museum. Average price for one night in Kaunas: 72€
Zagreb in Croatia
This city is made for walking, we recommend that you take a walk near the main square giving access to practically all the sites. If you want to get your transportation fix, hop on the funicular and head up the hill for stunning views. Or just hang out at one of the many cool cafes. Average price for one night in Zagreb: 62€
Argos in Greece
Argos is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Right in the heart of the Peloponnese, this is Greece as you imagine it: a mild Mediterranean climate with archaeological beauty as far as the eye can see. According to legend, it was also ruled by the son of Zeus at one time. It’s also largely off the beaten track, so you can explore the ruins of the ancient theatre, the prehistoric castle and the 6th-century BC Roman agora in peace. Average price for one night in Argos: 46€
Marsalforn on the island of Malta
Head to this quaint fishing village if you’re looking for a quiet break. Marshalforn is a great and cheap destination. The restaurants have plenty of fresh fish and great views of the Mediterranean Sea, so we recommend you grab a book, put on your sunglasses and enjoy the sea breeze and white sand. Average price for one night in Marsalforn: €70
Sofia in Bulgaria
Sofia is truly a beautiful city. The domed churches dotted around the city will be a guaranteed hit on your Instagram account, as will the mosques, Soviet statues and grand galleries. As most people ignore in favor of the Bulgarian ski slopes and coastline, you won’t feel oppressed while you walk around. Average price for one night in Sofia: 56€
Graz in Austria
Graz is one of Austria’s unsung heroes. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as being named Capital of Culture in 2003 and City of Culinary Delights in 2008. For futuristic art, head to Kunsthaus Graz. The gallery is housed in a building known as the “friendly alien” – you can’t miss its undulating, scaly shape on the waterfront. Average price for a night in Graz: €79
The typical architecture and colorful buildings of the city of Graz in Austria.
