Best Cheap Places to Visit in Europe

Top 10 Budget-Friendly Destinations

Europe is a dream for many travelers, but it doesn’t always have to be expensive. With a little planning, you can explore some of the best cheap places to visit in Europe without breaking the bank. From charming old towns to vibrant capitals, these destinations combine affordability with unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re looking for the best cheap places to visit in Europe in summer, scouting the best cheap warm places to visit in Europe in December, or simply shortlisting the best places to visit in Europe that are cheap, this ranking will help you choose your next adventure.

Contents

• 1. Budapest — the city of thermal baths and Danube nights
• 2. Prague — fairytale spires and riverside charm
• 3. Venice — gondolas and timeless romance
• 4. Lisbon — hills, trams, and Atlantic sunsets
• 5. Barcelona — art, beaches, and vibrant nights
• 6. Krakow — history and cozy cafés
• 7. Paris — cafés, art, and timeless beauty
• 8. Rome — ancient ruins and lively piazzas
• 9. Edinburgh — castles and cozy pubs
• 10. Florence — art, gelato, and Tuscan sunshine

1. Budapest — the city of thermal baths and Danube nights

Budapest is one of the best and cheap places to visit in Europe, offering a unique mix of history, relaxation, and nightlife. It is famous for its thermal baths, grand architecture, and the breathtaking Danube River that cuts the city into Buda and Pest. Affordable accommodations and hearty Hungarian cuisine make it an excellent choice for budget travelers.

The city is perfect for couples seeking romance, friends looking for vibrant nightlife, and solo travelers eager to immerse themselves in culture. The atmosphere feels both regal and bohemian, with a youthful energy thanks to its many ruin pubs.

Top activities include relaxing in Széchenyi Thermal Bath, exploring Buda Castle, crossing the Chain Bridge, and enjoying a panoramic view from Fisherman’s Bastion. But no trip is complete without a Danube cruise, where you can watch the Parliament building glow in the evening.

Distinctive features

• Famous thermal baths like Széchenyi and Gellért
• Unique ruin pubs with alternative vibes
• Stunning Danube riverfront views
• Mix of Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman heritage
• Budget-friendly street food (try lángos)

2. Prague — fairytale spires and riverside charm

Prague is often cited among the best places to visit in Europe cheap, thanks to affordable beer, budget-friendly hostels, and endless free sights. Its gothic and baroque architecture make you feel like you’re stepping into a storybook.

This city suits young travelers, families, and romantic couples. The Old Town Square with its Astronomical Clock is always buzzing, while hidden cobblestone alleys lead to cozy cafés.

Don’t miss Charles Bridge at sunrise, Prague Castle, and the Lennon Wall. A leisurely boat tour along the Vltava will reveal the city from a whole new perspective.

Distinctive features

• Affordable beer culture and lively pubs
• Iconic Charles Bridge and gothic spires
• Medieval Old Town with Astronomical Clock
• Romantic Vltava river views
• Vibrant café and street performance culture

3. Venice — gondolas and timeless romance

Venice may sound expensive, but with smart timing it belongs among the cheap and best places to visit in Europe for a romantic escape. Visit outside peak season to enjoy calmer canals and better prices.

It’s ideal for couples and art lovers who want to lose themselves in a maze of canals, piazzas, and palaces. The atmosphere is dreamy, with the sound of church bells and gondoliers echoing through the city.

Must-do activities include visiting St. Mark’s Basilica, wandering the quieter sestieri, and experiencing a traditional gondola ride.

Distinctive features

• Romantic gondola rides through winding canals
• St. Mark’s Square and the Doge’s Palace
• Unique car-free island atmosphere
• Venetian glass and mask traditions
• Golden-hour reflections on the lagoon

4. Lisbon — hills, trams, and Atlantic sunsets

Lisbon ranks among the best cheap places to visit in Europe in summer for its pastel façades, street food, and lively cultural scene. Portugal’s capital is known for fado music, pastel de nata pastries, and stunning miradouros.

The city suits both young travelers and couples, offering a mix of historic charm and trendy nightlife. The atmosphere is laid-back, with locals chatting in tiny taverns while trams rattle up steep hills.

Key activities include visiting Belém Tower, exploring Alfama, and soaking up a sunset on a Tagus cruise.

Distinctive features

• Historic yellow trams climbing scenic hills
• Affordable seafood and sweet pastel de nata
• Vibrant nightlife in Bairro Alto
• Panoramic viewpoints (“miradouros”)
• Melancholic fado echoing from taverns

5. Barcelona — art, beaches, and vibrant nights

Barcelona blends city thrills with seaside relaxation, cementing its place among the best cheap places in Europe to visit. Expect Mediterranean weather, Gaudí’s otherworldly architecture, and buzzing tapas bars.

Perfect for foodies, art lovers, and beachgoers, the city’s energy is constant—from La Rambla’s performers to Barceloneta’s sandy shore.

Hit the Sagrada Família, roam Park Güell, and catch sea breeze on a coastal cruise.

Distinctive features

• Gaudí’s surreal masterpieces across the city
• Mediterranean beaches within minutes of the center
• Lively tapas culture and food markets
• Festivals and late-night neighborhoods
• Gothic alleys meeting wide modern boulevards

6. Krakow — history and cozy cafés

Krakow is one of the best places to visit in Europe for cheap, offering medieval charm, hearty food, and a thriving café culture. Prices for dining and lodging remain friendly compared to many Western capitals.

Ideal for history lovers and students, the Main Square thrums with buskers and market stalls, while the Jewish Quarter (Kazimierz) brings artful, bohemian vibes.

Highlights include Wawel Castle, St. Mary’s Basilica, Schindler’s Factory, and day trips to the Wieliczka Salt Mine. Learn more here: Krakow.

Distinctive features

• Europe’s largest medieval market square
• Artistic Kazimierz with galleries and bars
• Affordable Polish cuisine and vodka tastings
• Gothic and renaissance façades
• Strong café culture with snug interiors

7. Paris — cafés, art, and timeless beauty

Though often seen as pricey, Paris can be one of the best cheap places to visit in Europe in December, with lighter crowds and occasional museum deals. Aim for neighborhoods just beyond the center for better-value stays.

Perfect for romantics, art lovers, and culture seekers, the city’s elegance is tangible—think flaky croissants, intimate cafés, and Seine-side strolls.

Don’t miss the Eiffel Tower, Montmartre, and the Louvre. For planning, start here: Paris.

Distinctive features

• World-class museums and galleries
• Iconic Eiffel Tower and riverbank walks
• Bohemian Montmartre vistas
• Deep café culture and patisserie scene
• Magical winter ambience and lights

8. Rome — ancient ruins and lively piazzas

Rome is a treasure chest of history and among the best places to visit cheap in Europe if you love culture. Many top sights—like the Pantheon or Trevi Fountain—are free to admire from the outside.

The Eternal City suits families and couples, blending modern bustle with ancient splendor. Expect animated squares, fountains, and trattorias that linger late.

Put the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, and Piazza Navona on your list. More here: Rome.

Distinctive features

• Colosseum, Forum, and ancient layers everywhere
• Trevi Fountain wishes and Spanish Steps sunsets
• Vatican City and St. Peter’s Basilica
• Lively piazzas with street performers
• Hearty Roman pastas—carbonara, amatriciana, cacio e pepe

9. Edinburgh — castles and cozy pubs

Edinburgh shines among the best cheap places to visit in Europe in December, thanks to festive markets and the world-famous Hogmanay. Off-season prices can make Scotland’s capital very approachable.

Great for history buffs and festival lovers, the city feels both mysterious and welcoming—medieval closes, volcanic hills, and warm pubs with live tunes.

Top activities include Edinburgh Castle, climbing Arthur’s Seat, and wandering the Royal Mile. Start here: Edinburgh.

Distinctive features

• Fortress-topped skyline anchored by Edinburgh Castle
• Medieval Old Town and elegant New Town grid
• Cozy pubs with storytelling and music
• Hogmanay fireworks and winter markets
• Quick hikes with sweeping sea views

10. Florence — art, gelato, and Tuscan sunshine

Florence is the heart of Renaissance art and one of the best places to visit in Europe that are cheap if you avoid peak months. Free piazzas, church façades, and riverside sunsets keep costs low while inspiration runs high.

Perfect for art lovers and romantics, Florence invites you to slow down—savor a glass of Chianti, linger on bridges, and watch craftsmen at work.

Don’t miss the Uffizi, the Duomo’s viewpoints, and the Ponte Vecchio. Read more: Florence.

Distinctive features

• Birthplace of the Renaissance and masters’ masterpieces
• Brunelleschi’s dome and city panoramas
• Uffizi treasures and Michelangelo icons
• Tuscan trattorias, wines, and gelato culture
• Evening passeggiata through lantern-lit piazzas

Final Thoughts

From romantic Venice canals to Lisbon’s sunny viewpoints and Krakow’s cozy cafés, these destinations prove that the best cheap places to visit in Europe can be as magical as pricier hotspots. Whether you’re searching for the best places to visit in Europe cheap, the best cheap places to visit in Europe in summer, or plotting a festive escape among the best cheap warm places to visit in Europe in December, this top-10 gives you abundant, affordable inspiration.