The cheapest European cities to visit

Europe is a treasure trove of interesting places for travel lovers. Ancient castles, museums, monuments, and historical buildings combining incredible architecture and culture have turned this part of the world into a real Mecca for tourists. But sometimes you want to go on a trip, and the budget is limited. We’ve compiled a list of the 15 cheapest European cities that won’t devastate a traveler’s wallet and leave a lasting impression.

Krakow, Poland

Poland’s second largest city, Krakow, is one of the most extraordinary cities in the country. It is no longer the capital of this European state but still retains its former grandeur and beauty. There are so many sights and historical places here that their combination with relatively low prices for accommodation and food makes the city a popular tourist destination and one of the cheapest places to visit in Europe. And if you buy a Krakow Card, your trip will be even cheaper.

The main tourist locations of Krakow are concentrated in one area — Stare Miasto. It is quite compact, and you can explore all the sights on foot. This will save you a lot on travel expenses. If you need public transportation, it is better to buy a travel card. They come in different types — for a certain time, family, group, combined, etc. Krakow offers excellent bicycle and scooter rental services.

Riga, Latvia

Riga is a charming city. Medieval streets, architectural monuments, cathedrals, museums, and parks of the Latvian capital attract many tourists annually. The cheapest time to visit Riga is at the end of autumn, winter, or early spring. A great advantage is that you can see some attractions for free, while entrance to other attractions will cost a few euros. A Riga Pass card can help you save significantly.

Riga has a well-developed network of public transport. You can use buses, streetcars, and trolleybuses to move around the city. Travelers can buy a daily ticket for all modes of transportation and a weekly ticket, depending on how much time they plan to spend in the city.

Athens, Greece

Athens is one of the most ancient European cities that should be visited at least once in a lifetime. The capital of Greece has an incredible concentration of ancient monuments. Most of them are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Although Athens is a very popular tourist city, the prices here are quite democratic. It is easy to get a lot of impressions and beautiful pictures even on a moderate budget, and you can save a lot by purchasing Athens Card.

Athens has more than 250 museums, most of which are completely free. You should find out in advance on which days free admission is allowed. The Roman Agora, Hadrian’s Library, and the Temple of Zeus can also be viewed outside without buying tickets. The flea market in the Monastiraki district sells souvenirs and gifts at pleasant prices.

If you want to get around Athens by public transport, you can buy a special pass for city guests and use a bicycle. You can rent a bike from one of the many rental shops.

Český Krumlov, Czech Republic

This town in the South Bohemian Region is an ancient Czech town located on the banks of the Vltava River. In fact, it is a museum in its own right because the appearance of its buildings and streets has hardly changed since the XVIII century.

There is no building in the city that one cannot admire, and its center is listed as a UNESCO cultural heritage site. The most important landmark here is Český Krumlov Castle, built on a rock in the XIII century. You can walk around the complex for free, but you have to pay to enter the premises. The main cathedral of the city is the Church of St. Vitus. The building in Gothic style appeared here in the XV century. Everyone can go inside and admire its decorations.

The city often hosts all sorts of events and festivals — the Christmas Fair, the International Music Festival, the Five-Petalled Rose Celebrations, and others. You don’t have to open your wallet too much unless you want to buy something.

Porto, Portugal

Porto is one of the oldest and most accessible European cities. Its architecture is diverse — ancient monuments stand alongside modern buildings, and the central part is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Colorful houses in the Ribeira neighborhood, Liberty Square with a monument to King Pedro IV, the House of Music, the Crystal Palace Gardens, the Clérigos Tower, and Avenida dos Aliados can all be seen during a stroll. The least expensive way to visit Porto is during the winter months when the flow of tourists ends. And the Porto Card can help you get to know the city even better without spending much money.

Porto has a well-developed public transport network, so you can settle in any part of the city and not worry about traveling long distances to the main tourist locations. The local streetcars are a sight in themselves. Each of the three lines runs through the center of Porto, and you can enjoy incredible views during the ride. There are also bike rentals in the city, but remember that the terrain is hilly, and pedaling can be challenging.

Bucharest, Romania

Bucharest is the capital of Romania and its cultural center, and one of the cheapest cities to visit. Its architecture is quite diverse. There is a unique combination of old and new buildings. A magnificent historical monument or a church can stand next to an office building made of glass and steel. The Palace of Parliament, listed in the Guinness Book of World Records, is a real eye-catcher. Entrance to most of the city’s tourist and cultural sites is free. And when you buy The Bucharest Card, you will receive discounts on some attractions, restaurants, and free public transportation. You should definitely check out Herastrau Park. It features cozy alleys, promenades, fountains, the lake of the same name, after which the park was named, the Village Museum, and many other interesting objects.

Belgrade, Serbia

Serbia’s capital is an ancient European city, but its turbulent history and wars have left little chance for historic buildings. However, despite this, there is still plenty to see here — Belgrade Fortress with its park and zoo, Saint Sava Temple, Tito’s Mausoleum, and other interesting places. You can listen to street musicians and admire the works of local artists in galleries or on the street in the bohemian Skadarlija neighborhood. Belgrade Pass allows you to visit the main attractions, restaurants, excursions, theaters, and so on at a discount.

The best time to visit Belgrade is in April-May or September-October. During this time, housing prices become most affordable, and the number of tourists decreases significantly compared to the summer months. In hot weather, you can relax and sunbathe on the public beach near the river, and you can get free access to the legendary Beer Fest in August.

Belgrade offers excellent shopping opportunities. The city has many souvenir shops and flea markets, where it is customary to haggle. As a result, you can buy the things you like for a good price.

Kaunas, Lithuania

Kaunas is the cultural capital of Lithuania and the second-largest city in the country. There is a reason why it was included in the list of the most affordable cities in Europe. There are many natural attractions, and you do not have to pay to visit them.

You should definitely visit the Kaunas Botanical Garden with over seven thousand various plants and the Oak Grove, which is the largest park in Europe. There are more than three hundred birds and animals in the Kaunas Zoo. The architecture of Kaunas also impresses with its beauty. The Most notable is the Cathedral Basilica of apostles St. Peter and St. Paul, constructed in the Gothic style, Kaunas Castle, and the splendid building of the Kaunas Town Hall. Those who wish to feel the full atmosphere of the old city should go to the main street, Laisvės Alėja. This part of Kaunas is completely smoke-free with its many stores, bars, and cafes.

It is worth mentioning that entrance to many of Kaunas attractions is free. And if you purchase a Kaunas Tourist Card, you can count on free travel on public transport and discounts when visiting other cultural sites, such as the Devils’ Museum.

Zagreb, Croatia

It is interesting to visit Zagreb at any time of the year. You can climb the Lotrščak Tower in the old part of the city, Gornji Grad, which offers beautiful panoramic views. It is also worth seeing the incredible architecture of Zagreb Cathedral, St. Mark’s Church, and other attractions.

Zagreb is not very expensive when it comes to entertainment. The prices of admission to museums here, for example, are affordable. So be sure to go to the Museum of Broken Relationships, which has no analogs anywhere in the world. Going to the atmospheric Dolac market for souvenirs is best. You can buy something there to remember Zagreb.

The Croatian capital has a well-developed public transport network, and there is an opportunity to rent a bike or car. It is worthwhile to purchase a Zagreb Card. It will allow you to visit major attractions and some restaurants for free or at good discounts.

Argos, Greece

Argos is a settlement in the western part of the Peloponnese peninsula and the place where Greek civilization started more than 6,000 years ago. Its ancient sites, proximity to Athens, short distance to the beaches, and affordable prices make it a popular tourist destination and one of the cheapest European cities to visit.

Argos is literally filled with ancient sites. You may want to get to know some of them with a guide, but there are also some you can see for yourself, like the Larisa Castle, from Mycenaean times.

There is a flea market twice a week for souvenirs, olive oil, cosmetics, wine, etc. You can feel the atmosphere and the life of the Greeks in this place. It is a must-visit.

Argos is a small town where almost all the inhabitants have their cars. Public transportation is represented only by buses. You can take a cab, if necessary.

Sofia, Bulgaria

The capital of Bulgaria boasts an abundance of green areas. There are about ten parks and squares in its central part where you can have a great time. There are many attractions, and if you buy a Sofia Card, there is a chance to see many interesting things, even on a small budget.

Public transport is very popular in Sofia, and you can save significantly by buying an unlimited travel card for a few days. Tourists can also rent a bike or car. It is worth going to the Central covered market for shopping, where you can buy inexpensive souvenirs, cosmetics, and rose oil.

It is worth noting that the mineral beaches are quite popular in the Bulgarian capital. It is allowed to bathe both in natural reservoirs and in thermal springs. The entrance and the sunbeds in such places are paid, but the prices are quite democratic.

Budapest, Hungary

Referred to as the Pearl of the Danube, Budapest it truly lives up to it. Every street and building in Hungary’s capital is steeped in history, and its incredible architecture attracts tourists. You don’t need a guide to get to know the city. You can see all the sights on foot. Visit Andrássy Avenue, also called the Champs Elysees of Budapest. It houses the Hungarian State Opera House, the House of Terror Museum, the Budapest Puppet Theatre, and many other interesting objects.

Budapest offers special cards for tourists. By purchasing a Budapest Card, travelers can count on free public transportation, free admission to the best museums, the Lukács Thermal Bath, two guided walking tours, etc.

Valletta, Malta

Valletta is a unique settlement and the smallest European capital. Since its founding in the XVI century, its architecture has remained practically unchanged. The narrow streets and historical monuments of Valletta are a delight for tourists. It’s not surprising, as the whole city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A total of about 365 different religious buildings can be found here.

Due to its compact size, you can walk around the city up and down without wasting money on travel. It is worth noting that all the streets and alleys here cross only at right angles and eventually lead to the sea. It’s recommended to read a little about the city’s history, the Ioannite Knights, and the Order of Malta before you go to Valletta, so you don’t have to resort to the services of a guide.

Valencia, Spain

Valencia, a picturesque resort on the Mediterranean coast, is also on the list of the most affordable European cities. In addition to luxurious beaches in Valencia, there are many exciting attractions. And the prices for everything are much lower than in other Spanish resorts.

Bullfighting Museum, the Serranos Gate, the cathedral of Valencia, the Oceanographic Park, the Biopark, the Museum of the Fallas, and the Silk Exchange (Lonja de la Seda) — this is not the whole list of interesting places to visit in the city. In this case, purchasing the Valencia Tourist Card will help save your budget.

Local delicacies are best represented in the large Mercado Central market. There is a huge selection of various kinds of cheese, sausages, seafood, fruits, vegetables, and other delicacies. The famous Valencian paella, the pride of Valencia, and the horchata, a refreshing drink made with ground almonds, are a must-try.

Bratislava, Slovakia

Bratislava is the only capital in the world that borders two countries, Austria and Hungary. Thanks to the fact that the city has pleasant prices for accommodation and transportation, you can take the opportunity to leave your belongings in a hotel or hostel and visit these two countries as well.

The main city of Slovakia is compact and, for the most part, pedestrianized. The main attractions of Bratislava are easy to explore on your own in a few days. Grassalkovich Palace, Bratislava Castle, Michael’s Gate, Apollo Bridge, Old Town Hall, Blue Church — these structures are sure to delight.

Buses, trolleybuses, and streetcars represent public transport in Bratislava. Their lines connect all districts and many suburbs. There are different types of tickets — from daily to weekly. So it is worth calculating which of them is advantageous to buy, depending on the length of stay in the city. It is easy to get to any point in the capital by cab. It costs much less to order by phone than to catch a car on the street. Moreover, you can significantly reduce the cost of travel, accommodation, visits to cultural sites, and meals by purchasing the Bratislava City Card.

Some useful tips

• It is easy to find affordable accommodation in these cities — you can stay in a cheap hostel or use the Couchsurfing services, which involve staying with locals.
• The best way to save money on food is to cook yourself by buying food at markets and supermarkets. For those who do not want to stand at the stove during their vacations, there are many cozy cafes and eateries with affordable prices on the menu and many street food points.
• Almost every city offers an opportunity to purchase a special tourist card, which will enable using public transport and getting discounts in restaurants and stores. Some of these cards provide free entry to museums and many other attractions.

Source: https://bit.ly/3BL2kU6