10 Cheap Destinations in Europe
Holidays are just around the corner and if you are among those who still don’t know where to go but are sure it should be somewhere close and cheap, we have good news: today we are going to tell you about 10 cheap destinations in Europe, where you could travel to this July and August without having to take out a loan.
Don’t be fooled, travelling is not as expensive as they say. You just need to know a few tricks to cut down on costs and aim for some “backpacker friendly” destinations , i.e. those that we can describe with those three magic words: good, nice and cheap, and that’s what we’re here for: to help you find them! 😜
Cheap Destinations in Europe
Lisbon, Portugal
Colourful tiles, red roofs, friendly people and viewpoints scattered all over the city: Lisbon is one of the most beautiful capitals in Europe and it tops our ranking because it’s also one of the cheapest destinations. If you don’t have much time, don’t miss our 3-day itinerary in Lisbon, but the more days you have, the more nearby cities you can visit. In summer the best option is to go to Cascais and take a dip in the Atlantic Ocean.
To recharge your batteries you have an essential date with the pasteis de nata, the typical sweets of the city. The most delicious are found in “Pastéis de Belém”, a legendary pastry shop where these tasty desserts have been made since 1837 (€1.10).
Tip: In the evening, don’t miss a stroll through Alfama, the birthplace of Fado, a musical style that combines melancholic and emotional lyrics with the sweet sound of the Portuguese guitar.
Wherever you go, Lisbon will treat you well, and when you leave, you’ll only have one wish: to return sooner rather than later, because it’s impossible not to feel saudade after a trip to Portugal’s capital!
Hostels in Portugal | Hostels in Lisbon
Polignano a Mare, Italy
If we say “Italy”, great cities like Rome, Florence or Venice come to mind… but we are going to tell you a secret: Italy is much more than that. If you want a spectacular, cheap and unknown destination, pack your suitcase and go to the region of Apulia. Here you will find Polignano a Mare, a small town that will seem like something out of a storybook. It’s built on top of cliffs, with viewpoints overlooking the Adriatic Sea, and its streets are lined with poetry and grandmothers making homemade pasta. It’s beautiful and authentic!
Polignano can also serve as a base from which to explore other equally charming villages such as Alberobello, home to the famous trulli, and to hire a car and take a road trip to Salento, an area where you’ll find beaches that have nothing to envy of the Caribbean!
In short: Puglia is one of the cheapest (and most unknown) destinations in Europe.
Hostels in Italy | Hostel in Polignano a Mare
Ohrid, Macedonia
📷 byinge
Macedonia is not only one of the cheapest countries in Europe, but it’s also a great destination! Our favourite place? Ohrid, a small town on the shores of the blue-water lake of the same name, full of Orthodox churches and inexpensive little restaurants where you can enjoy a hot tea and a baklava, a flaky, nutty pastry that’s to die for. And to burn off the calories, what better than a cool but irresistible swim in the lake! Are you going to spend several days in this country? Then check out the other things to see and do in Macedonia.
Hostels in Macedonia | Hostels in Ohrid
Sofia, Bulgaria
Bulgaria’s capital is one of Europe’s lesser-known destinations and we don’t understand why: it’s a vibrant city, with loads to do and very affordable.
The Russian influence can be felt (almost) on every corner, but there is one place, more than any other, that will make you feel like you are in Moscow itself: the Church of St. Nicholas with 5 small golden domes and a green tiled roof. This orthodox church is a little gem, but if there is one building that stands out from the rest in Sofia, it is the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. This church is huge, and when we say huge we mean it can hold over 5,000 worshippers! Its marble interior is spectacular, with frescoes and murals of astonishing quality, but what will really blow you away is its exterior with its green and gold domes, white marble walls and unique architecture.
Sofia is one of the perfect destinations for cheap European travel. Don’t be intimidated by its Soviet feel, the city will gradually win you over and show you its true soul, with its graffiti-covered streets, open-air markets and parks where young and old challenge each other to a game of chess.
Hostels in Bulgaria | Hostels in Sofia
Krakow, Poland
You might be more tempted to go to Poland’s capital, Warsaw. But we assure you that if you put Krakow on your travel bucket list, you won’t regret it. It’s becoming increasingly popular, yet it’s still one of the cheapest cities in Europe and an incredible place if you love fairytale houses, natural scenery and history. Krakow’s Old Town is a World Heritage Site, and you’ll see why as you stroll through its culturally rich cobblestone streets and look at the buildings that survived World War II! When you’re tired of strolling around, you’ll have a hard time choosing a bar or cafe to have a drink – there’s something for everyone! And of course, a must is the Market Square, one of the largest medieval squares in Europe. It’s the ideal place to sit and watch – few free activities are as enjoyable!
Hostels in Poland | Hostels in Krakow
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, is a small city tucked between mountains that will steal a piece of your travelling heart. It’s fun, affordable and has plenty to see and do. Our favourite is watching the sunset from the top of the castle hill (with a cold beer and some cevapi, the national dish, all the better). Another must-see is the Zmajski Mos, the Dragon Bridge, the symbol of the city.
If you’re into the alternative vibe, you must visit Metelkova, a former barracks of the former Yugoslavia that has gradually been transformed to become the underground soul of the city, full of urban art, graffiti and curious sculptures.
Ljubljana is a city that will surprise you, and if you have a few extra days, be sure to explore other incredible corners of Slovenia, such as Lake Bled and Predjama Castle.
Hostels in Slovenia | Hostels in Ljubljana
Pula, Croatia
Croatia is becoming more and more fashionable as a holiday destination and it’s no wonder: this country has fabulous cities like Dubrovnik or Split, friendly people and a gastronomy that has managed to fuse Italian flavours with Balkan recipes. But there is one very cool place that made us personally come back: Pula. It’s the most important city in the Istria region, in the north of the country, and as well as having some very interesting Roman ruins, such as the largest and best preserved Roman amphitheatre (after the Colosseum in Rome), it’s surrounded by small coves perfect for a day of relaxation by the Adriatic Sea, our favourites being some of the ones in Premantura.
Tip: If you have the chance to hire a car, don’t hesitate and visit two other nearby destinations. Some of them are Rovinj, a beautiful fishing village and Motovun, a medieval village in what is known as the “Croatian Tuscany”.
Hostels in Croatia | Hostels in Pula
Bosnia and Herzegovina
📷 zlakfoto
We recently told you about 13 things to do in Bosnia, so take a look, get inspired, pack your backpack and fall in love with this small (and unknown) country. Its capital, Sarajevo, which once suffered the horrors of war, was reborn like a phoenix and is now one of the most interesting and beautiful cities in Europe (and yes, backpacker-friendly!).
They call it the “Jerusalem of Europe” and it’s not hard to see why: under its sky are mosque minarets, Christian crosses and synagogues. Sarajevo is cosmopolitan, beautiful, a city with a strong personality and a soul. And like all cities with a soul, it will know how to get inside you and leave you lost in it.
Tip: Stay in Baščaršija, the Turkish quarter, full of bars, restaurants and bazaars – you won’t regret it!
Hostels in Bosnia | Hostels in Saravejo
Budapest, Hungary
looking for an affordable capital city that will win you over at first sight and where the food is delicious? Stop looking, you’ve just found the perfect destination: Budapest. Here you can stroll along the banks of the Danube, lose yourself in the markets, see the most beautiful parliament in Europe, make new friends and celebrate in the ruin pubs, colourful and curious places where you can drink cheap beer and enjoy the atmosphere of the city. And if after all that partying you need a bit of relaxation, don’t worry, because Budapest is ready for that too: there are several thermal baths in the city (less than 20€) that will leave you feeling like new!
But the best plan of all is free: climb Fisherman’s Bastion and enjoy the sunset overlooking the Danube. There’s only one risk: becoming enraptured by the city and wanting to move here!
Hostels in Hungary | Hostels in Budapest
Barcelona, Spain
We come to Spain to finish this list with one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. In Barcelona there are endless things to do without spending anything (or almost nothing): get lost in its most characteristic neighbourhoods (Raval, Gótico, Borne, Gracia), stroll around the Sagrada Familia area and Gaudí Avenue, relax in Ciutadella Park, take a dip in one of its beaches or climb Tibidabo to have the city, literally, at your feet. In other words, Barcelona is one of the most complete and incredible destinations in Europe with lots of things to do for free? If you haven’t spent a few days there yet, are you going to miss it?
So much for our recommendations on cheap destinations in Europe. Do you know of any others? Leave us a comment and inspire us with new ideas 👇
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