Europe is a magical destination filled with rich history, iconic attractions, unmissable experiences and some of the most beautiful views in the world! So, along with its strong currencies, one would expect the entire Europe to be pricey! But, if you play your cards right, you can embark on a Europe city break without breaking the bank!
To celebrate Europe Day on 9 May, Expat Explore presents the top affordable European countries that are well worth the visit! If you’d like to see some of Europe’s top cities for less, read on for the most affordable cities in Europe.
Europe’s most affordable city breaks:
Athens, Greece
Greece is one of the world’s top travel destinations for a reason! Not only does it offer up incredible coastal views, delicious traditional delights and a vibrant culture, but it is also home to one of Europe’s most affordable must-see cities.
Athens is a must-visit Greek city, featuring some of the more affordable accommodations in Greece compared to the likes of Santorini and Mykonos, plus a wide variety of street food to cut back on daily meal budgets. Additionally, prices in Athens have also dropped by around 15% since 2021. We recommend visiting around autumn for even better rates!
Related: Tick off the 5 must-see locations in Greece while you visit!
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is not only the popular capital city of Portugal but also one of Europe’s more affordable travel destinations. From three-course meals on a budget and beers half the price of those in London, you can have a blast in Lisbon without spending too much.
In terms of accommodation, Lisbon offers plenty of affordable places to stay. From family-run hotels to Airbnb, you’re sure to find a comfortable place to spend the night without forking out too much of your spending money! Plus, save oodles on public transport with your very own Viva Viagem pass, which can be used on a variety of transportation modes like metro, buses, ferries, trams and trains.
Related: Discover even more reasons to visit Portugal!
Tbilisi, Georgia
Georgia is a picturesque destination, conveniently located between Europe and Asia, with many hidden gems! And, it’s affordable for vacationers from around the world. Sure, it might not be as affordable to locals due to the tourism trade, but for those wanting to experience European cities, this one won’t cost an arm and a leg.
Due to its rising popularity, many hotels are springing up in and around Tbilisi. The competition is great for rates! Plus, you can also indulge in traditional local cuisine quite affordably. With family-run restaurants and menus that utilise seasonal local produce, you’ll even save on delicious world-renowned meals.
Related: Take a deep dive into the top things to do in Tbilisi!
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is the capital of Hungary and is widely considered one of the most spectacular destinations in Europe! What makes Budapest an affordable travel option is not necessarily reduced rates but, instead, its approach to travel that doesn’t always require spending money.
Looking past the classic tourist attractions, you’ll find a host of hidden gems to explore! From incredible architecture that you can see on a city stroll to great accommodation with affordable options available, Budapest is a must-visit for those looking for affordable travel.
Related: Make the most of your visit with our ultimate guide to Budapest.
Valencia, Spain
Spain is a widely popular travel destination thanks to its spectacular sights and vibrant lifestyle. And unlike some of the more expensive Spanish cities like Barcelona and Madrid, Valencia is a stunning vacation choice on a budget!
Valencia is an affordable European city for two reasons. Firstly, a price comparison reveals that it’s quite a bit cheaper than other big European cities, especially in Spain and particularly around accommodation. Secondly, the city boasts an incredible variety of historic buildings, churches and museums that are very affordable to enter. For those seeking an eco-friendly getaway, Valencia was also named Europe’s Green Capital for 2024!
Related: Spend a night in Valencia on our Spain & Portugal Explorer tour!
Prague, Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is home to many stunning destinations, one of which is also a renowned and affordable city to travel to! Prague might not be the most affordable place in the Czech Republic, but compared to other popular European city breaks, this one won’t break the bank.
What makes Prague an affordable option for a city vacation is that you’ll get better rates on the city essentials like public transport, food and drinks. And since this is a must-see European city, you’re guaranteed value for money as you’ll experience traditional cuisine, local delights and unique treats without dedicating your entire vacation budget to it.
Related: Explore Prague at leisure on our Prague to Budapest Rail Express tour!
There you have it; the top European cities to visit without breaking the bank! We would say that all you have left to do is pick one, but not even that is necessary. With Expat Explore, you can visit a variety of the cities on our list by joining one of our Europe multi-country tours.
Book a tour to one or more of these destinations, and experience the magic, history and culture of Europe in its famed cities. Where will you go first?