Europe’s Cheapest & Most Affordable Cities

2 weeks ago 4

While the U.S. dollar has been steadily increasing in value against European currencies, the continent will never be synonymous with cheap. And I'm just talking about hotels and the expenses on the ground here, so by the time you factor in the transatlantic flight, costs for a trip across the pond can really creep up.

But there are ways to save money in Europe in 2025, and one of the best ways is, as obvious as this may sound, to visit some of the cheapest cities in Europe.

Which ones? The following cities have been featured on one or multiple recent surveys of Europe's affordable places or have personally saved the author some money during a firsthand visit.

Belgrade, Serbia

The Serbian capital possesses a brand of big city buzz unlike anywhere else in The Balkans, at prices that will have you smiling from ear to ear. Gaze at the majestic Saint Sava Church before learning all about legendary inventor & futurist Nikola Tesla at his namesake museum and watching a sunset at historic Kalemegdan Fortress, which features views of the confluence of the Danube and Sava Rivers free of charge.

When it comes time to sample the local fare, from local butchers cooking up tasty fresh burgers to traditional Serbian venues in the touristy yet endearing Skadarlija district, you won't break the bank on a night out in Belgrade.

Zagreb, Croatia

Nowhere is hotter right now than Croatia, helping prices along the coast creep up and up. A solution is to do like savvy travelers have been doing for a while now: make for the inland capital of the country to be richly rewarded with its elegant boulevards and bustling café culture without having to be rich. Don’t miss Saint Mark's Church with its colorful tiled roof—the unofficial symbol of the city—before wandering the winding streets of the Old Town, you'll be pleasantly surprised at how few dollars you drop in the process.

Sofia, Bulgaria

The capital of Bulgaria owns a dramatic setting surrounded by mountains, and travelers looking to save a few bucks can enjoy a bevy of experiences here without sacrificing any "Europeanness". On a stroll through Sofia, you’re bound to be impressed by the striking Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the ancient Roman ruins of Serdica and the abundance of sidewalk cafes, all offering a window into the past and present-day Bulgarian culture.

Then, explore the bustling Central Market Hall, where locals and savvy visitors stop to shop for veg, fruit and spices at affordable prices. A trip here would be the perfect wallet-friendly start to an adventure around the historic towns and pretty beaches of the rest of Bulgaria, a true European hidden gem.

Krakow, Poland

This ever-popular city in southern Poland might just offer Europe's best combination of postcard-pretty scenes and pretty low prices. Rich in history and cultural attractions, Krakow is friendly on the wallet compared to other European cities of a similar pedigree without sacrificing any of the allure.

Walk the Royal Route (a collection of sights connected to the city’s longtime role as the royal capital of Poland) across the Old Town to its dramatic finish at Wawel Royal Castle before visiting the St Mary's Basilica or taking a day trip to the local Wieliczka Salt Mines.

Vilnius, Lithuania

Compact, quirky and full of graceful Baroque architecture, the capital of Lithuania is bound to stay with you long after you leave, but you won’t have to break your budget for those priceless memories. When it comes to food & drink, you'll be pleasantly surprised at the prices you’ll pay for great Lithuanian food, with the national dish cepelinai being a hearty mix of potatoes and meat that is sure to fill you up on the cheap.

Beer lovers will rejoice in the delicious Lithuanian brew (quirky farmhouse ales brewed by passionate homebrewers are the nation's calling card), available at low prices at great cafes like Alaus Namai.

Porto, Portugal

There’s no denying that Portugal is enjoying an unprecedented surge in popularity, but luckily for travelers, prices in its second-biggest city are still hovering a bit below many other A-list European destinations. Here, you will find breathtaking city views, fetching bridges and a working waterfront.

Porto’s myriad neighborhoods teem with cafes and interesting retail options, where you’ll be able to score traditional pastries, coffee and the city’s famous filthy-delicious Francesinha sandwich on the relatively cheap compared to other cities of its stature. If you get a hankering to sip some great local wine at the source, then hop on a train up the Douro River Valley line where you can tour vineyards at very sweet prices, sampling plenty of sweet port wine along the way.

Riga, Latvia

Home to the biggest cluster of Art Nouveau buildings on the continent, Riga is very easy on both the eyes and the bottom line. Start your time in Riga off by taking a stroll through the cobbled lanes of the Old Town, where centuries of Latvian history have unfolded and a current lineup of budget-friendly sights reside today.

When it's time to eat, make your way to the impressive Central Market—housed in old Zeppelin hangars—for a taste of popular Latvian flavors like the famed stew made with local grey peas, chunks of bacon and diced onions. No day here is complete without tipping back some Black Balsam, Latvia’s legendary herbal liqueur, which is still more than reasonable.

Budapest, Hungary

A popular destination with river cruisers, rail adventurers and guided tours, this gorgeous city on the Danube isn’t dirt cheap, but it does offer fantastic value for the high level of the traveler experience. It won’t cost you a penny to admire (or stroll over) the city's beautiful bridges or walk up Gellért Hill and admire the Budapest skyline, and when it comes time to visit the city’s world-famous thermal baths: admission to the baths won't be free, but it won't break the bank either.

Tip: while some baths like Széchenyi steal the limelight and social media love (and for good reason because they’re gorgeous), the city is home to other unsung baths that have lower prices. As a bonus, the local food in Budapest is known for being kissed with paprika and being a good value while Hungarian wine is one of Europe’s hidden gems and is always affordable in its home country.

Istanbul, Turkey

One budget-friendly price covering a city spread over two continents, that's the offer on the cards from Istanbul, one of the world's most fascinating cities. Filled with cheap and cheerful guesthouses and restaurants (just one of the local pide, a decadent baked & topped bread might fill you up for the whole day), the city caters perfectly to travelers seeking affordability without missing out on an exhilarating “global travel” experience.

Sights like the Galata Bridge, Blue Mosque, and Hippodrome are free to experience, to say nothing of perhaps the best free thing to do in Istanbul: bounce around the bazaars. These shopping labyrinths are a gas to explore, whether or not you fill your bags with souvenirs or not. Another great way to do like the locals while not spending too much Turkish lira is to lounge by the Bosphorus River with a glass of tea, just like the locals do.

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