Cheapest cities in Europe for tourists: where can you go to have a cheap vacation?
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Looking for the cheapest European cities to travel to in 2024? Our selection will help you plan a budget-friendly and interesting trip. Find out where you can enjoy unique cultural, historical, and gastronomic experiences without spending a lot of money
With the opening of borders and increased tourist interest, 2024 promises to be a record year for the number of tourists in Europe. This is driven not only by domestic excitement and thirst for travel after the pandemic, but also by Euro 2024 in Germany and the Olympics in France. However, not all popular tourist destinations will be affordable for tourists, as prices for accommodation, food, and transportation are constantly rising.
If you are looking for budget travel options, we have compiled a list of the cheapest cities in Europe where you can enjoy a special atmosphere without spending a lot of money.
Top cheap cities in Europe for traveling
Kaunas
The second largest city in Lithuania, Kaunas offers visitors many interesting places at affordable prices. The city is known for its modern architecture, parks, and historical monuments.
• Accommodation: A night in a budget hotel starts from 25 euros.
• Food: Dinner in a mid-range restaurant costs about 10-13 euros.
• Transportation: A one-day ticket for public transportation costs 1 euro.
Budapest
The Hungarian capital combines the beauty and grandeur of many cultures. The city is famous for its legendary thermal baths and delicious but underrated cuisine. Budapest is also conveniently located for traveling to Vienna and Prague. There is a nice bonus for Ukrainians: free public transportation.
• Accommodation: A night in a budget hotel starts from 30 euros.
• Food: Dinner in a mid-range restaurant costs about 10-15 euros.
• Transportation: One-time ticket for public transportation - 1 euro.
Porto
The picturesque and colorful Portuguese city of Porto needs no introduction. It is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world and is characterized by budget prices. Porto fascinates with its landscapes and rich history.
• Accommodation: A night in a budget hotel starts from 35 euros.
• Food: Dinner in a mid-range restaurant costs about 12-15 euros.
• Transportation: A one-day ticket for public transportation costs 1.5 euros.
Tirana
The capital of Albania is gradually becoming a popular tourist destination. The city, which was isolated for a long time because of the dictatorship, is now open and hospitable to tourists. Tirana has a unique architecture and has an interesting, albeit spooky, historical heritage.
• Accommodation: A night in a budget hotel costs from 20 euros.
• Food: Dinner in a mid-range restaurant costs about 8-12 euros.
• Transportation: A one-day ticket for public transportation costs 0.4 euros.
Bratislava
The capital of Slovakia is another accessible European city for tourists. This city is known for its ancient streets, castles and river walks, making it an ideal place for a budget vacation.
• Accommodation: A night in a budget hotel starts from 30 euros.
• Food: Dinner at a mid-range restaurant costs around 10-14 euros.
• Transportation: A one-day ticket for public transportation costs 1 euro.
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Bucharest
The capital of Romania is one of the safest and cheapest European cities. It fascinates at first sight and allows you to feel the unique Romanian flavor. It is worth noting that in 2024 Romania partially entered the Schengen zone, which simplifies travel to this country.
• Accommodation: A night in a budget hotel starts from 25 euros.
• Food: Dinner in a mid-range restaurant - about 10-15 euros.
• Transportation: A one-day ticket for public transportation costs 0.5 euros.
Sofia
The capital of Bulgaria, is an ancient and peaceful city, where real pearls from the UNESCO list are located. Sofia is one of the oldest European capitals, which has something to surprise and enchant its guests.
• Accommodation: A night in a budget hotel starts from 20 euros.
• Meals: Dinner in a mid-range restaurant costs about 8-10 euros.
• Transportation: A single ticket for public transportation costs 0.8 euros.
Krakow
A Polish city known for its historical heritage and cultural attractions. This city offers many options for a budget vacation, including affordable hotels and restaurants.
• Accommodation: A night in a budget hotel starts from 25 euros.
• Food: Dinner in a mid-range restaurant is around 10-12 euros.
• Transportation: A one-way ticket for public transportation costs 1 euro.
Riga
The capital of Latvia is known for its magnificent architecture and cultural events. This city offers a lot of free or low-cost entertainment, including museums, galleries and festivals.
• Accommodation: A night in a budget hotel starts from 30 euros.
• Food: Dinner at a mid-range restaurant is around 10-14 euros.
• Transportation: A one-day ticket for public transportation costs 1.5 euros.
By discovering these budget European cities, you can enjoy unique cultural, historical, and gastronomic experiences without significant financial costs. However, when planning a trip, you should take into account travel insurance, which will not only provide financial protection in case of an accident or illness abroad, but also reduce the cost of medical services, which can be much higher for foreigners. The insurance will also provide coverage in case of loss of luggage, flight delays or cancellations, which is no less important when traveling. You can take out reliable travel insurance by following this link.
We remind you! Most Ukrainians are used to spending their summer vacation at the Black Sea resorts. However, during the war, traveling to your favorite places has become much more difficult, and some of the Black Sea pearls are impossible to visit because they are still under occupation. Luckily, several other countries bordering the Black Sea are also in the region. Read where you can spend your vacation on the Black Sea coast and how to get there in our previous article.
Photo: Freepik
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Daria Rogova, Head of Insurance at Visit Ukraine
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