Dreaming of a European summer without draining your wallet? These 10 cheapest countries in Europe are perfect for budget travelers in 2025. Youβll find charming old towns, beach getaways, and mountain escapes β all at a fraction of Western Europeβs cost.
Below, youβll get a complete budget breakdown for each country including flights, hotels, public transport, and sightseeing β so you can plan smartly and travel more.
π§π¬ 1. Bulgaria β Eastern Europe’s Best Value Destination
Bulgaria is one of the most underrated yet affordable countries in Europe. Whether youβre exploring Sofia or the Black Sea beaches, everything from food to transport is budget-friendly.
πΆ Average Cost Per Day to Travel:
βοΈ Flight: β¬40ββ¬70 from major European cities
π¨ Hotel/Hostel: β¬15ββ¬30 per night
π Bus/Train: β¬5ββ¬15 per trip (FlixBus, local trains)
π Activities: β¬10ββ¬20 (most attractions are free or low-cost)
π FlixBus route to Bulgaria
π Omio train route to Bulgaria
π¨ Find hotels: TripAdvisor
π Book activities: GetYourGuide
Top Experiences:
π Rila Monastery Day Trip
π Sofia Free Walking Tour
π Vitosha Mountain cable car
π Book Bulgaria activities on GetYourGuide
π·π΄ 2. Romania β Castles, Culture & Cheap Costs
Romania offers epic landscapes, medieval towns, and low prices. From Bucharest to Brasov, you’ll enjoy history and nature without overspending.
βοΈ Flight: β¬35ββ¬60 one-way
π¨ Hotel/Hostel: β¬12ββ¬25 per night
π Bus/Train: β¬3ββ¬12 intercity rides
π Activities: β¬5ββ¬15 (castles, museums)
π FlixBus route to Romania
π Omio train route to Romania
π¨ Find hotels: TripAdvisor
π Book activities: GetYourGuide
Castelul Corvinilor, Strada Curtea Corvinilor, Hunedoara, JudeΘul Hunedoara, Romania
Manastirea Cozia, Ramnicu Valcea, Romania
Top Experiences:
π Tour Bran (Draculaβs) Castle
π Bucharest Old Town pub crawl
π Explore Transylvania’s fortified churches
π Book Romania activities on GetYourGuide
ππΊ 3. Hungary β Budapest on a Budget
Hungary is a hotspot for travelers thanks to its rich history and affordable luxury. You can soak in a thermal bath or take a river cruise β all on a small budget.
βοΈ Flight: β¬30ββ¬55 round-trip from nearby EU cities
π¨ Hotel/Hostel: β¬15ββ¬35 per night
π Bus/Train: β¬5ββ¬10 between cities
π Activities: β¬5ββ¬20 (baths, cruises, museums)
π FlixBus route to Hungary
π Omio train route to Hungary
π¨ Find hotels: TripAdvisor
π Book activities: GetYourGuide
SzΓ©chenyi Thermal bath,Hungary
Top Experiences:
π SzΓ©chenyi Thermal Baths
π Danube River night cruise
π Visit Fishermanβs Bastion
π Book Hungary activities on GetYourGuide
π¦π± 4. Albania β Beaches Without Breaking the Bank
Albania gives you Mediterranean vibes at Balkan prices. The capital Tirana and beach towns like SarandΓ« offer sun, sea, and savings.
βοΈ Flight: β¬45ββ¬80 from Europe
π¨ Hotel/Hostel: β¬10ββ¬25 per night
π Bus/Train: β¬3ββ¬10 (local mini-buses, furgons)
π Activities: β¬5ββ¬15 (beaches, museums, hikes)
π FlixBus route to Albania
π Omio train route to Albania
π¨ Find hotels: TripAdvisor
π Book activities: GetYourGuide
Top Experiences:
π Cable car ride to Dajti Mountain
π Relax at Ksamil Beaches
π Explore Berat (UNESCO town)
π Book Albania activities on GetYourGuide
π§π¦ 5. Bosnia & Herzegovina β Culture Meets Low Cost
Bosnia & Herzegovina offers an emotional and cultural trip on a shoestring. Cities like Sarajevo and Mostar are rich in history, food, and affordability.
βοΈ Flight: β¬50ββ¬90 (via neighboring countries)
π¨ Hotel/Hostel: β¬12ββ¬22 per night
π Bus/Train: β¬4ββ¬8 (very cheap!)
π Activities: β¬5ββ¬12 (museums, walking tours)
π FlixBus route to Bosnia
π Omio train route to Bosnia
π¨ Find hotels: TripAdvisor
π Book activities: GetYourGuide
Mehmed PaΕ‘a SokoloviΔ Bridge,Bosnia and Herzegovina
Kravice Waterfalls, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Top Experiences:
π Sarajevo history walking tour
π Visit Mostar & its iconic bridge
π War Tunnel Museum
π Book Bosnia activities on GetYourGuide
π΅π± 6. Poland β Affordable, Safe, and Stunning
Poland offers excellent value for money, especially in cities like KrakΓ³w or GdaΕsk. Youβll get quality hotels and meals without a big price tag.
βοΈ Flight: β¬30ββ¬60 from major cities
π¨ Hotel/Hostel: β¬14ββ¬28 per night
π Bus/Train: β¬5ββ¬15 intercity routes
π Activities: β¬8ββ¬20 (museums, guided tours)
Top Experiences:
π Auschwitz-Birkenau tour
π Wawel Castle in KrakΓ³w
π Pierogi cooking class\
π Book Poland activities on GetYourGuide
π²πͺ 7. Montenegro β Mediterranean Magic for Less
Montenegro gives you Riviera vibes with mountain views at a backpackerβs budget. Kotor, Budva, and Lake Skadar are all affordable escapes.
βοΈ Flight: β¬40ββ¬80 from Central Europe
π¨ Hotel/Hostel: β¬15ββ¬30 per night
π Bus/Train: β¬4ββ¬10 local rides
π Activities: β¬5ββ¬15 (nature, boat rides)
π FlixBus route to Montenegro
π Omio train route to Montenegro
π¨ Find hotels: TripAdvisor placeholder
π Book activities: GetYourGuide placeholder
Durmitor Nacionalni Park, Ε½abljak, Montenegro
Top Experiences:
π Hike Kotor Fortress Trail
π Swim in Lake Skadar
π Boat trip around Bay of Kotor
π Book Montenegro activities on GetYourGuide
πΈπ° 8. Slovakia β Short Trips, Small Costs
Slovakia is ideal for a 2β3 day budget trip. Its capital Bratislava is compact, scenic, and full of history, just an hour from Vienna.
βοΈ Flight: β¬20ββ¬40 from nearby EU cities
π¨ Hotel/Hostel: β¬13ββ¬25 per night
π Bus/Train: β¬3ββ¬8
π Activities: β¬5ββ¬10
π FlixBus route to Slovakia
π Omio train route to Slovakia
π¨ Find hotels: TripAdvisor
π Book activities: GetYourGuide
Bojnice, TrenΔiansky kraj, Slovakia
StarΓ½ hrad, NezbudskΓ‘ LΓΊΔka, Slovakia
Top Experiences:
π Bratislava Castle tour
π Danube River boat ride
π Explore Old Town
π Book Slovakia activities on GetYourGuide
πΉπ· 9. Turkey β Exotic & Extremely Economical
Turkey offers great exchange rates and endless adventure. Istanbul gives you mosques, markets, and Bosphorus views β all under β¬25 a day.
βοΈ Flight: β¬50ββ¬90 (many low-cost options)
π¨ Hotel/Hostel: β¬12ββ¬30 per night
π Bus/Train: β¬4ββ¬10
π Activities: β¬5ββ¬15 (entry + ferry rides)
π FlixBus route to Turkey
π Omio train route to Turkey
π¨ Find hotels: TripAdvisor
π Book activities: GetYourGuide
Blue Mosque, Δ°stanbul, Turkey
Top Experiences:
π Cruise the Bosphorus
π Grand Bazaar shopping
π Visit Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia
π Book Turkey activities on GetYourGuide
π¬πͺ 10. Georgia β Mountains, Wine & Kindness
Georgia is warm, welcoming, and ultra-cheap. You can enjoy ancient towns, nature, and traditional meals β all for around β¬20ββ¬30 per day.
βοΈ Flight: β¬60ββ¬110 from Europe
π¨ Hotel/Hostel: β¬10ββ¬22 per night
π Bus/Train: β¬3ββ¬8 (very affordable)
π Activities: β¬3ββ¬10 (most are free)
π FlixBus route to Georgia
π Omio train route to Georgia
π¨ Find hotels: TripAdvisor
π Book activities: GetYourGuide\
Top Experiences:
π Ride Tbilisi cable car
π Try traditional wine in Kakheti
π Explore sulfur baths & Old Town
π Book Georgia activities on GetYourGuide
πΈ Final Budget Summary:
| Country | Hotel (avg/night) | Bus/Train | Sightseeing | Daily Budget |
| Bulgaria | β¬15β30 | β¬5β15 | β¬5β20 | β¬40β55 |
| Romania | β¬12β25 | β¬3β12 | β¬5β15 | β¬35β50 |
| Hungary | β¬15β35 | β¬5β10 | β¬5β20 | β¬40β60 |
| Albania | β¬10β25 | β¬3β10 | β¬5β15 | β¬35β45 |
| Bosnia | β¬12β22 | β¬4β8 | β¬5β12 | β¬30β45 |
| Poland | β¬14β28 | β¬5β15 | β¬8β20 | β¬40β55 |
| Montenegro | β¬15β30 | β¬4β10 | β¬5β15 | β¬35β50 |
| Slovakia | β¬13β25 | β¬3β8 | β¬5β10 | β¬30β45 |
| Turkey | β¬12β30 | β¬4β10 | β¬5β15 | β¬35β50 |
| Georgia | β¬10β22 | β¬3β8 | β¬3β10 | β¬30β40 |
Also Read:
ππ¨ Top Budget Hotels in Europeβs Most Affordable Countries (2025 Edition)
πβοΈ 10 Best Budget Airlines to Travel Across Europe (2025)
ππΊοΈ Budget-Friendly 7-Day Eastern Europe Travel Itinerary (2025 Guide)