Many people consider Europe their dream travel destination yet its expensive reputation keeps budget travelers away. Europe provides numerous affordable travel options which deliver cultural depth and breathtaking natural beauty and exciting experiences at budget-friendly prices.
This guide provides information about the best affordable European destinations for 2025 which suit travelers who want to explore Europe on a budget.
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The capital of Portugal which is Lisbon stands as one of the most budget-friendly cities in Western Europe. The city offers a must-see experience through its colorful streets and historic trams and its riverside charm. The price range for hostel dorm beds in Lisbon is between €15–20 per night and pastéis de nata and fresh seafood meals can be found for €5–10. The gardens of Belém Tower and the artistic LX Factory complex are two free attractions that visitors can enjoy. The public transportation system in Lisbon provides affordable options through day passes which cost €6.50. The summer festival NOS Alive takes place in 2025 but visiting during spring or fall will provide better deals and smaller crowds.
Pro Tip: Travelers can find budget-friendly flights to Lisbon through budget airlines Ryanair and EasyJet which operate from major European airports starting at €30.
Krakow presents itself as an affordable European destination which combines its historic appeal with modern vitality. The UNESCO-listed Old Town together with Wawel Castle and Jewish Quarter can be visited at affordable prices since most museums charge between €3–5 for admission. A traditional Polish meal consisting of pierogi costs between €4 and €7 while local beer prices remain below €2. Hostel prices begin at €10 while budget hotels cost between €30 and €40 per night. The cost of visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Wieliczka Salt Mine during day trips ranges between €15–20. The compact size of Krakow allows visitors to walk through the city so they do not need to spend money on transportation.
Why Visit? Krakow offers an excellent combination of historical depth and active nightlife which appeals to both solo explorers and budget-conscious groups.
Budapest stands as the "Paris of the East" while offering itself as a leading affordable European holiday destination. The thermal baths of Széchenyi along with other baths offer full-day access for €15–20. The Buda Castle grounds and Fisherman’s Bastion offer free access to panoramic views of the city. You can find street food options like lángos and chimney cakes for €2–5 while eating at a local restaurant costs between €10–15 for a three-course meal. The cost of hostels falls between €12–18 while public transport tickets cost €1. The Sziget Festival takes place during Summer 2025 but visiting Budapest in late spring will help you save money.
Budget Hack: Use the Budapest Card (€25 for 24 hours) for free transport and discounted attractions.
For those seeking cheap places to visit in the UK, Liverpool serves as a lively budget-friendly choice instead of London. The city provides free access to two world-class museums: the Museum of Liverpool and Tate Liverpool. A local pub beer costs between €4 and €5 while Baltic Market street food prices begin at €6. The cost of staying in hostels ranges between €15 and €25 per night while budget B&Bs cost between €40 and €60. The waterfront and Georgian Quarter areas can be explored without spending any money. European cities can reach Liverpool John Lennon Airport through Ryanair flights that start at €20.
Travel Tip: Book your accommodations in advance for the Liverpool Sound City music festival which takes place in May.
Belgrade stands as an underappreciated budget-friendly destination for travelers in Serbia. The city offers free or affordable access to its Skadarlija district and Belgrade Fortress and Sava River walking paths. A traditional meal of ćevapi or pljeskavica costs between €3 and €6 while local rakija shots range from €1 to €2. The starting prices for hostels range between €8–12 while apartment rentals cost between €20–30 per night. The public bus fare costs €0.80 for each journey. The open-air events of Summer 2025 will take place but autumn provides better weather conditions and reduced prices.
Why Go? Young travelers will find Belgrade to be an ideal destination because of its exciting nightlife and friendly atmosphere.
These destinations prove that Europe doesn’t have to be expensive. By choosing cheap places to visit in Europe like Lisbon, Krakow, Budapest, Liverpool, or Belgrade, Your 2025 travel plans will bring you unforgettable experiences at affordable prices. Begin planning your 2025 travel plans right now.
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