Traveling to Europe doesn’t have to be expensive. With a few “tips” for choosing a destination, you can enjoy a memorable trip while still saving money. So, where to go in Europe on a budget? Let’s find out about 8 budget travel destinations in Europe, best cheap cities to visit in Europe, best cities to visit in Europe on a budget (best European cities to visit on a budget) in this article!
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When talking about Europe, many people often think of luxurious and expensive trips. But in fact, the old continent still has many beautiful destinations that are extremely wallet-friendly. In this article, we will suggest ideal places to travel to Europe on a budget, along with tips to help you fully experience the culture and cuisine while balancing costs. Ready to take notes for your upcoming European trip?
Best cheap cities to visit in Europe: Lisbon, Portugal
How to get there from Vietnam: There are no direct flights. Typically, you fly from Vietnam via Doha, Istanbul or Frankfurt (Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa) to Budapest.
Looking for a European destination that is both beautiful and easy on the wallet? Start with Lisbon. The Portuguese capital is a feast for the senses – and a paradise for those who want to travel on a budget. You can leisurely stroll through the ancient cobblestone streets, experience the iconic yellow tram, or take in panoramic views from the vantage points for almost no cost.
The cuisine here is also extremely friendly: a rich pastel de nata is just under 2 EUR! Combined with delicious and affordable seafood meals, Lisbon becomes an ideal stopover to start your journey to explore Europe. Another big plus: from Lisbon, you only take a short train ride to Sintra or the Cascais coast – “gems” for the adventurous.
Budapest, Hungary
How to get there from Vietnam: Popular routes include a stopover in Doha, Istanbul or Frankfurt. Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways often offer good fares to Prague.
If you want to enjoy classic European beauty while traveling on a budget, Budapest is a great choice. Dubbed the “Paris of Eastern Europe”, this city is notable for its bridges spanning the Danube, the majestic Buda Castle and the magnificent Hungarian Parliament building – all of which can be admired for free from the riverside viewpoints.
Danube River Evening Sightseeing Cruise in Budapest
You can experience “luxury” activities at surprisingly low prices. Take a bath in the Széchenyi hot springs for just 20 EUR, or enjoy a traditional Hungarian meal with fragrant goulash without worrying about “burning a hole in your pocket”. In addition, the convenient and cheap metro and bus systems make it easy to explore the city.
Where to go in Europe on a budget: Prague, Czech Republic
How to get there from Vietnam: Prague looks like it came straight out of a fairy tale, but the great thing is you don’t need a “big” budget to enjoy it. Instead of just visiting the familiar spots, you can explore the hidden artist cafes in the old town, where a cup of aromatic coffee is only a few euros and the view of the Charles Bridge is as romantic as a movie.
In the evening, try visiting traditional cellar bars – where a cold Czech beer is often cheaper than bottled water. In Prague, every street corner and every stained glass window is a free work of art, making the trip economical yet poetic.
Kraków, Poland
How to get there from Vietnam: There are no direct flights from Vietnam. You can fly to Warsaw first (LOT Polish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines), then connect to a domestic flight or train to Kraków.
Compared to many other major European cities, Kraków has retained its old-world charm and is extremely affordable. The historic center of the city is recognized by UNESCO, with the Grand Market Square (Rynek Główny) – one of the largest medieval squares in Europe. You can visit St. Mary’s Cathedral, Wawel Castle or wander the old Jewish quarter of Kazimierz for almost nothing.
Don’t miss out on a filling traditional Polish meal for a few euros – from pierogi (sweet/savory dumplings) to rich zurek soup. But Kraków is not just lovely because of its cheap prices; it also offers the chance to hear the history of Auschwitz – just a short trip from the city center.
Athens, Greece
How to get there from Vietnam: Popular connecting flight options: Doha, Dubai, Istanbul. Qatar Airways, Emirates and Turkish Airlines often have convenient flights to Athens.
Athens is not only the “cradle of democracy” but also a great destination for tourists who want to explore history on a budget. Many famous monuments such as the Parthenon on the Acropolis hill have a ticket price of only 20 EUR, much cheaper than other heritage sites in Europe. Besides the archaeological treasures, Athens also surprises with its vibrant street life: the bustling Monastiraki market, the colorful Plaka area where you can buy souvenirs and enjoy fragrant gyros for just a few euros.
Meteora 1 Day Tour from Athens with Optional Lunch by Bus
Interestingly, Athens is also the “gateway” to paradise islands such as Santorini or Mykonos. With affordable ferry tickets, you can easily combine a “city trip” with a journey of blue sea and golden sunshine.
Valencia, Spain
How to get there from Vietnam: Fly to Madrid or Barcelona first with Qatar Airways, Emirates or Turkish Airlines, then connect to domestic flights (Iberia, Vueling) or take the high-speed train to Valencia.
If Madrid and Barcelona are too familiar, Valencia is the perfect choice to both save money and experience a different Spain. This city is famous as the “home of paella” – a famous rice dish with seafood or chicken, priced at only 10-12 EUR for a full portion. But Valencia is not only about cuisine: you can also enjoy the sunny Malvarrosa beach right in the city, completely free.
Science Museum Ticket at The City of Arts and Sciences Valencia
In particular, Valencia is where the past and the present meet. While the old town retains its medieval charm, the City of Arts and Sciences impresses with its ultra-modern futuristic architecture. All blend together to create a “multi-layered experience” destination that is still budget-friendly.
Bucharest, Romania
How to get there from Vietnam: Usually connecting flights in Istanbul with Turkish Airlines (most popular route). Alternatively, you can go via Doha or Dubai.
Bucharest is not only home to monumental structures like the Palace of Parliament, but is also a city of interesting paradoxes: neoclassical architecture paired with underground bars, ancient monasteries next to colorful graffiti walls. This city will constantly surprise you as you stroll through the bustling Lipscani old town, stopping at an indie cafe with extremely cheap prices but also extremely “chill”.
Dracula’s Castle, Brasov, and Peles Castle Day Tour from Bucharest
The cost of living in Bucharest is much lower than most European capitals, meaning you can enjoy rich cuisine, party hard and explore art museums… all while staying within your budget. With its youthful, creative and wallet-friendly vibe, Bucharest deserves a place on any budget destination list that’s anything but boring.
Sofia, Bulgaria
How to get there from Vietnam: The most convenient way is to connect in Istanbul (Turkish Airlines has many flights to Sofia). This is the shortest and most reasonable route from Vietnam.
Few people think of Sofia when planning a trip to Europe, but it’s this “low profile” that makes the Bulgarian capital an incredibly budget-friendly destination. The city has many layers of culture: you can admire the magnificent Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Roman ruins right down the street, then just a few minutes later find hipster cafes and vibrant street markets.
You may not know: a full meal of banitsa (cheese pastry) or kebab (grilled meat) is only a few euros, while a metro ticket is as cheap as a cup of coffee in Western Europe. In addition, Sofia is located close to the Vitosha mountain range, meaning it takes less than an hour to change the vibe from the city to trekking in the middle of nature. Sofia brings a true “hidden gem” feeling: diverse, easy to go, easy to live – and especially suitable for a budget but no less interesting European trip.
Scoring the Budget-Friendliness of Cheap Destinations in Europe
| City | Average cost | Budget-Friendliness | Quick Review |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lisbon, Portugal | 40–70 EUR/day | **** | Cheap food, cheap transport; affordable sightseeing tickets. |
| Budapest, Hungary | 35–65 EUR/day | ***** | One of the cheapest capitals in Europe, with lots of free experiences. |
| Prague, Czech Republic | 40–75 EUR/day | **** | Cheaper than Western Europe, beer and food are very reasonable. |
| Krakow, Poland | 30–60 EUR/day | ***** | Cheapest on the list; food, hostel, transport all friendly. |
| Athens, Greece | 45–80 EUR/day | *** | Food is quite cheap but entrance fee to key site is high (Acropolis). |
| Valencia, Spain | 45–85 EUR/day | *** | Cheaper than Barcelona/Madrid, but still more expensive than Eastern Europe. |
| Bucharest, Romania | 30–55 EUR/day | ***** | Food, travel, accommodation are extremely cheap; vibrant nightlife. |
| Sofia, Bulgaria | 30–50 EUR/day | ***** | Super savings; great food, lots of free experiences. |
Tips for Budget Travel in Europe you Need to Know
- Hunt for plane tickets early: Round-trip tickets from Vietnam to Europe are usually cheapest when you book 3–6 months in advance. Watch for sales from Qatar Airways, Emirates, Turkish Airlines to save a lot.
- Travel by train & long-distance bus: Low-cost trains (like FlixTrain, RegioJet) or night buses (FlixBus, Eurolines) save money on travel between cities, and save an extra night’s hotel.
- Stay in a hostel or homestay: Instead of a luxury hotel, choose a youthful hostel or homestay apartment to save money and have the opportunity to interact with international tourists.
- City pass: Many major cities have sightseeing passes (like Paris Museum Pass, New York City Pass, Eurail Pass in Europe) that save significantly on entrance fees and public transport.
- Eat like a local: Try small eateries, flea markets or local bakeries instead of tourist restaurants. Cheap and authentic.
- Travel off-peak: March-May or September-November are ideal times to save on airfare, hotel, and avoid crowds.
- Bring a water bottle & snacks: In Europe, buying bottled water in supermarkets is much cheaper than on the street. Bringing refill bottles is economical and environmentally friendly.
You see, traveling to Europe does not necessarily mean “expensive”. From glamorous capitals like Lisbon or Budapest, to “hidden gems” like Bucharest or Sofia, there are still countless ways for you to enjoy European culture, history and cuisine at a reasonable cost. With just a little smart preparation – booking early flight tickets, choosing a city pass, traveling by cheap bus or train – you can completely turn your dream of “traveling to Europe” into a memorable journey without worrying about “hurting your wallet”.
Ready to plan? Book your Europe tours, attractions, and travel add-ons on Klook to save money and enjoy your trip!
Read more Europe guide here.
