Some budget travelers avoid Europe because they don’t believe there are any cheap European countries to visit, but that’s not true. We’ll tell you some places that you can visit to plan your cheapest vacation possible.
While the continent is home to budget-busting destinations like France, Ireland, and Norway, some culture-filled, cheap European countries can be visited on $50 / day or less. Even in the western part of Europe.
In this article, I’m going to break down our favorite cheap European countries of 2022 and show you where the heart-throbbing destinations are as well as the cheapest ones.
Here are 10 cheap European countries to visit in 2022:
1. Bulgaria
Bulgaria was one of our biggest surprises when traveling to the continent and planning the cheapest vacation due to a low budget. Without a doubt, this is one of the cheapest European countries, if not the best value overall.
You couldn’t believe how affordable and lovely Bulgaria is until you stay in those gorgeous hostels that are inside centuries-old buildings. You can enjoy free walking tours and meals that are of incredible value, taste, and less in cost.
The Bulgarian people are some of the friendliest in Europe, and the nation is blessed with fascinating old towns, ornate churches, delicious cuisine, and world-class wine. There are also numerous festivals to be enjoyed, particularly during the summer months and some very pristine nature. But the value for money is tough to beat.
2. Hungary
Hungary is considered one of the cheapest countries in Europe year after year. Although most travelers flock to Budapest for the thermal baths, grandiose cathedrals, and thriving nightlife, they often skip Hungary’s other cool towns and villages. The neighboring cities of Pécs, Miskolc, and Eger are also worth visiting.
For Cheap Flight Deals to Hungary, check out Wizz Air, a low-cost airline based out of Budapest. Wizz Air flies to over 60 destinations, so you can quickly get to Hungary no matter where you are in Europe.
And to top it off, Hungary has some of the cheapest dining options in Europe. You can eat like a King for just a few Euros (and yes, that’s including a bottle of local beer)!
3. Istanbul
Istanbul possesses a richly complicated heritage, bridging East and West – Europe and Asia. Once the capital of the Ottoman and Byzantine empires, this city’s prestigious history has left us with many monuments to cherish.
Although Istanbul looks serene from afar, the internal atmosphere is wonderfully chaotic. Discover the bustling streets and busy bazaar stalls that have characterized the city for hundreds of years. At the intersection of civilizations and continents for centuries, Istanbul surprises visitors with its fast pace, ancient history, and present culture.
The natural landscape is also impressive. The Bosphorus, a narrow strait, cuts the city in two and connects the Sea of Marmara in the south to the Black Sea in the north. Visitors will see a skyline of domes, steeples, and modern towers from the blue waters.
Your best shot for the cheapest vacation in beauty like Turkey because their hotels offer free cancellation and many with the cheapest booking at approximately $7/night
4. Slovakia
Although Bratislava is Slovakia’s capital and largest city, many travelers breeze right past it on their way to Vienna or Budapest. Despite the lack of tourists, this charming city is worth exploring for a few days if you’re looking for a more affordable option in Europe.
While hotels in Slovakia are fairly cheap compared to the rest of Europe, the cost of food and drink is the real bargain in Bratislava. For €5, you can enjoy several bottles of beer or even a three-course lunch.
5. Valencia
Valencia is as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the wallet. The green hues found in the Jardí del Túria contrast with the beaches’ shimmering golden sand and sparkling cerulean waves. And the color of its oranges is as rich as the taste.
Those who say this Spanish coastal city lacks any sense of charm may have never walked under the citrus trees as they drop blossoms onto the cobblestone streets or listened to the hum of the Valencian dialect amidst the produce stands of the Mercado Central.
Although it has spent years hiding in the shadows of larger cities, Valencia now offers a mixture of Madrid’s history and Barcelona’s contemporary atmosphere for a fraction of the cost.
6. Poland
Poland has always been one of the best destinations for student tourists because of the lower prices than Western countries like France and Spain. However, the fantastic things to see in Poland are pretty even.
The Tatra Mountains, Wawel Castle, Lazienki Park, Krakow Cloth Hall, Slowinski National Park, Jasna Gora Monastery, and many other sights are worth visiting!
You might be pleasantly surprised by the low cost of some things like hoteling and food, which are significantly less compared to other western cities. If you are looking for the cheapest vacation possible due to a low budget, Poland will be your dream come true.
7. Romania
Whatever you think Romania is, it probably isn’t. The spectacular Transylvania region, in particular, defies expectations with its cute medieval towns, ancient fortified churches, and stunning Carpathian mountain range. It’s simply one of my favorite destinations in Europe.
You can quickly get by on a backpacker budget of about $30 – $40 a day. If you’re on holiday, you can find stylish B&Bs starting at $30/night. Even in a fancy restaurant in Brasov, I struggled to spend more than $25 a person.
8. Vilnius
Vilnius is a pretty small city. It may not have the kind of tourism draw of other European destinations, but this shouldn’t stop you from visiting! Vilnius is an absolute hidden gem. Lithuania’s capital is jam-packed full of stunning sights and exciting things to experience.
You could marvel at the Gediminas Castle Tower, the Vilnius Cathedral, and plenty of beautiful 16th-century architecture. If you are considering a trip to Eastern Europe, then Vilnius will provide an excellent insight into the culture and life of the area.
Vilnius has plenty of brilliant hotels, backpacker hostels, and self-catering accommodation. If you plan a very cost-effective trip, buying food from supermarkets is incredibly cheap. Avoiding Restaurants will help you save more on your low budget.
9. Riga, Latvia
Riga is one of the least expensive European cities. But there are still so many reasons to visit this fantastic destination. Riga is a beautiful city, loaded with historic charm and plenty of unique Latvian culture.
One of the best things to do in Riga is to walk between the colorful old buildings, absorbing the one-of-a-kind atmosphere that can be found here.
If you make an effort to get there, though, you will be rewarded with cheap prices and unique attractions. Hostels here are cheap (and of good quality), food and drink are low priced, and nightlife is plentiful. Riga is your best option for the cheapest vacation.
10. Tallinn, Estonia
If you want to explore the Baltic region, Tallinn is one of the most spectacular destinations. Sure, this Estonian gem is a little bit more expensive than other cities in the region. However, it is one of the most beautiful and enticing Baltic cities for travelers.
Compared to other European cities, Tallinn offers exceptional value. Accommodation is cheap (there are many fantastic hostels here), food and drinks are always low priced, and trendy nightlife. Tallinn is so close to Finland that it has become quite a well-known place to go for a cheap weekend away.
Visiting Estonia is not always so popular, as it is pretty far away from other major destinations. However, rates are very high when it comes to cheap European cities that are well worth making an effort to find Tallinn.
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