Cheapest European countries to visit

Fancy a European getaway, but a little worried about how much it might cost you? You’re in luck! Europe has a whole plethora of incredible destinations that won’t break the bank. Over the past couple of years thanks to remote working, I’ve visited almost all of the countries in Europe, including the vast majority of affordable destinations. Whether you’re an avid traveller, or looking to find adventure on a budget, there’s no time like the present to explore the diverse countries of Europe without spending a fortune. In this article, I’ll share my pick of the cheapest European countries to visit. Consider these for an affordable escape.

Cheapest European countries to visit: Bulgaria

Set in the heart of the Balkans, I fell in love with Bulgaria when I visited last year. As well as being one of the cheapest European countries to visit, it has a rich history, warm people, and beautiful landscapes. I based myself in the capital city of Sofia, and despite being the country’s primary city, it was still incredibly affordable. In fact, I had a lovely two bedroom apartment to myself, and spent most days eating out and enjoying cocktails – all on a tight budget. No matter where you explore in Bulgaria, you’ll find your money goes further. Sample the delicious local cuisine, explore centuries-old ruins, and enjoy budget friendly accommodation.

Some of my favourite budget-friendly activities in Bulgaria:

Cheapest European countries to visit: Poland

Poland truly has something for everyone – whether it’s culture, history, or bustling cities you’re after, Poland has it all. It’s also incredibly affordable. I visited beautiful Gdansk a few years ago – a picturesque seaside town with pastel coloured buildings and cobbled streets. Nearby Sopot is equally as charming, and has a whole host of beach clubs to enjoy. I shared a hotel room with a friend which came in at an astonishing £20 each for a few nights. Transportation and food was also impressively cheap – not to mention the affordable alcohol that attracts hordes of Brits each year. Enjoy hearty Polish cuisine, explore historic buildings, and visit budget-friendly museums in one of the cheapest European countries to visit.

Some of my favourite budget-friendly activities in Poland:

Cheapest European countries to visit: Romania

I visited Romania last year and was – perhaps naively – surprised by the sheer scale and beauty of the country. It has a range of landscapes, from the fairytale castles of Transylvania to the dramatic Carpathian Mountains. I based myself in the capital city of Bucharest for a week in a very affordable apartment, and used it as a base to explore. Although I wasn’t the biggest fan of Bucharest from the time I spent there, it offers a vibrant urban experience at an affordable price. I really can’t recommend the Transylvania region enough – visit the incredible Peleș Castle, and take in the landscapes from the charming town of Brașov. When visiting one of the cheapest European countries to visit, you’ll be pleased at how affordable accommodation, food, and attractions are in Romania.

Some of my favourite budget-friendly activities in Romania:

Cheapest European countries to visit: North Macedonia

I headed to North Macedonia just before summer and couldn’t believe quite how underrated is. The warmest, friendliest locals, beautiful landscapes, and incredibly affordable prices make it a great place to visit. I started by staying in the capital city of Skopje, adventuring to the countryside and nearby Matka Canyon, before heading to the beautiful lakeside town of Ohrid. All the accommodation I stayed in was super reasonably priced – the boutique hotel I stayed in in Ohrid was also some of the cheapest yet loveliest accommodation I’ve stayed in for a while. Make sure you spend enough time in North Macedonia – there’s so much to see and do, and it’s definitely one of the cheapest European countries to visit so it’ll be easy on your wallet.

Some of my favourite budget-friendly activities in North Macedonia:

Cheapest European countries to visit: Moldova

Moldova is often thought to be one of the cheapest European countries to visit. Generally speaking, accommodation, food, and transport is all very affordable. While Chișinău offers good value for travellers, more rural areas of Moldova are even cheaper. One of my favourite things about Moldova is its passion for wine. Wine production is huge there, and you can find plenty of great quality wine at super affordable prices. What’s not to love? Other attractions including monasteries and museums all have modest prices too. Moldova is cheap to get around via public transport, and the food is delicious while reasonable. I recommend opting for local restaurants and street food stalls for tasty, authentic food for next to nothing.

Some of my favourite budget-friendly activities in Moldova:

Cheapest European countries to visit: Serbia

I visited Serbia earlier this year and absolutely fell in love with it. The capital, Belgrade, is a wonderful city full of interesting history and culture. You can spend plenty of time just wandering around, exploring the architecture. There are even remaining bomb ruins from the NATO 1999 attacks, which you can casually walk beneath. Serbia is surprisingly affordable. We ate in Michelin rated restaurants for less than the price of a Nando’s, and drinks are cheap too. We stayed in a gorgeous Airbnb that was super cheap, but I’d go back again and again. It’s a picturesque city for exploring with murals on every corner, and there’s a real emphasis on coffee culture. If you are looking for nightlife in Belgrade, the city will truly deliver. There’s lots going on each night in this vibrant, affordable city.

Some of my favourite budget-friendly activities in Serbia:

Cheapest European countries to visit: Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina is without a doubt one of the cheapest European countries to visit. Offering great value, it’s also one of the most scenic spots I’ve visited in Europe. I visited Mostar after a trip to nearby Croatia last year, and loved my time in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Accommodation is cheap as chips, even in popular tourist spots like Sarajevo and Mostar. I remember eating incredibly cheaply in Mostar, and the food was incredible! Traditional dishes like cevapi and burek are really easy on the wallet. Getting around the country is pretty inexpensive, and entry to attractions is usually either free or a modest fee. Exploring the beautiful great outdoors – be it hiking in the mountains or swimming in rivers – is of course free, too.

Some of my favourite budget-friendly activities in Bosnia and Herzegovina:

Cheapest countries in Europe: FAQs

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about the cheapest countries in Europe:

Which is the cheapest country to visit in europe?

From my experience, North Macedonia is probably the cheapest country to visit in Europe. It’s incredibly affordable, and all the accommodation I booked was very reasonable. Getting around is very cheap too, from cross-country coaches to taxis. Food and drink is very affordable too – we enjoyed multiple meals in nice restaurants without breaking the bank. With so much gorgeous scenery, you can explore the country without spending too much, and most of the attractions are affordable too. Try free walking tours in Skopje, Bitola, and Ohrid -all you’ll need to do is tip.

Which European countries have the cheapest cost of living?

I’ve done quite a bit of research into this, with dreams of one day living in Europe for a better quality of life. Consensus has it that Portugal and Croatia top the list. Both have a relaxed lifestyle, beautiful beaches, and are desirable places to live. Here are some generic costs of groceries and living in both country’s capital cities, Lisbon and Zagreb:

What is the cheapest English speaking country in Europe?

This is a great question, especially now that it seems so many Europeans speak English so well. Yet. in fact, Montenegro is well known for being one of the cheapest places to live in Europe with a higher percentage of English-speakers than elsewhere in Europe. I absolutely loved Montenegro when I visited last year – it’s beautiful, and certainly somewhere I could live! Budva and Kotor are two of the best Montenegrin cities to live in, and there’s a very affordable cost of living. It’s a safe country too, and there are hot, dry summers from June to August.

What is the cheapest city in Europe to visit?

The capital city of Bulgaria, Sofia, is often considered to be the cheapest city in Europe to visit. Having stayed there for a week last year, I couldn’t agree more. The average cost of a one-bedroom Airbnb is just £46 per night, and the average price of a pint is £1.37. It’s also incredibly beautiful, with impressive domed churches on every corner, and grand galleries. The people are super friendly, and it’s incredibly cheap. I dined out for all my meals while staying there, and found it super affordable. You can also head to Bulgaria’s ski slopes or the coastline if you prefer.

Travelling to Europe certainly doesn’t need to be expensive, and hopefully you now have inspiration for the cheapest European countries to visit. Each country is unique and you can often visit multiple countries in Europe in one go, making it a great affordable way to see lots of places in one trip. So, pack your bags and get ready for an adventure through some of Europe’s most affordable places.

That’s my guide to the cheapest European countries to visit! Are there any other destinations you’d add to the list? Let me know in the comments below.