Five Low-Cost European Cities You'll Love Visiting
Why Go to Europe on a Budget by Yourself?
Traveling alone is one of the best things you can do for yourself. It gives you vitality and strength wherever you are. Australia has beautiful beaches, but let's be honest—if every trip cost as much as going to Paris or London, I could only take one vacation every five years instead of five!
I love Europe because it has a lot of easily accessible places with a lot of culture and reasonable prices. Due to its many attractions, cheap flights, and reasonably priced hostels, Europe is a fantastic destination.
In just a few hours, you can travel from historic streets to sunny plazas and back, learning about hundreds of years of history. I've compiled a list of the top budget travel destinations.
1. Krakow, Poland
An Overview of the Best Low-Cost Activities in Krakow
Many people call Kraków the most beautiful city in Poland. Exploring the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is like going back in time. 💡 Consider getting a three-day Krakow Card, which costs about €30 and gives you access to 36 museums and sites as well as public transportation, such as the bus at the airport.
Must-See Attractions
Auschwitz-BirkenauSchindler's Factory Museum
Wieliczka Salt Mines (€39)
St. Mary's Basilica
Where to Stay
The Little Havana Party Hostel is a lively and reasonably priced place to stay, with rates of around €15 per night.
2. Auvergne, France
A Reasonably Priced Destination for a Road Trip
Auvergne is often overlooked by tourists visiting France, even though it offers a great location for affordable road trips and hiking.
Highlights
The main attraction is the Puy de Dôme, a dormant volcano with stunning views.Don't miss the Gothic Notre-Dame Cathedral and the striking black volcanic stone architecture of Clermont-Ferrand.
Truffade, a dish made with potatoes, salad, garlic, and melted tomme cheese, costs around €18.
In the Truyère Gorges, canoeing is a fun and reasonably priced activity.
Where to Stay
SisterHome offers a unique opportunity to stay with local women who host visitors, providing a real and affordable alternative to hotels.
3. Budapest, Hungary
Affordable Activities for Solo Travel
Budapest is among the safest and most economical cities in Europe for single tourists.
Things to Do
Climb to St. Stephen's Basilica (€3)Walk along the Danube at sunset
Tour the Hungarian Parliament (€10)
Relax at the Széchenyi Thermal Baths with mineral-rich waters
Food & Stay
The average meal costs about €10, which makes it perfect for backpackers. Accommodations are also reasonably priced, with friendly hostels available.
4. Andalusia, Spain
Affordable Travel to Granada, Cordoba, and Seville
With lots of sunshine, tapas, and history, Andalusia is a great low-cost vacation spot in Spain.
Highlights
Vibrant flamenco shows in Seville's Plaza de España, Triana, and the Alcazar Palace (from Game of Thrones).The Mosque-Cathedral (Mezquita) in Cordoba is open for €11, but admission is free if you arrive early (8:30–9:30 a.m.).
The Alhambra in Granada, with stunning palaces, gardens, and Moorish architecture, is a must-see and costs €14.
Budget Tips
Tapas are occasionally complimentary with drinks, and hostels usually cost less than €30 per night.
5. Transylvania, Romania
Discover Castles and Cultural Heritage on a Budget
Romania has a rich cultural history and is still one of the most affordable travel destinations in Europe.
Things to See & Do
Explore medieval cities like Sibiu and SighișoaraVisit Bran Castle, associated with Dracula
Discover traditional life at ASTRA Open-Air Museum in Sibiu
Food & Nightlife
In Cluj-Napoca, you can get cocktails for as little as €4 and dinner for €5 to €10. Not to be missed are Nasal cheese and papanasi, a dessert of fried dough topped with sour cream and jam.
Conclusion: Europe's Best Low-Cost Cities Are Waiting for You
You can have fun and explore a lot in these five places without going over your budget. Every city has something unique to offer, from historical landmarks and delectable cuisine to opportunities to meet new people.
Which place most appeals to you? A soak in Budapest's hot springs, a sunlit tapas crawl in Andalusia, or an enigmatic castle in Transylvania?
Your trip doesn't have to be costly; all you have to do is make the most of it.
