13 Top cheapest European countries to visit

Top 1 cheapest European countries - Bulgaria

Bulgaria often tops the list of inexpensive countries to visit in Europe – and with good reason. For starters, Bulgaria remains largely undiscovered by tourists except for the visitors that come over in summer for a cheap vacation alongside the Black Sea. Even then, accommodations, flights, and entertainment will still cost you a fraction of what you would pay in Western Europe. In the off-season, prices drop considerably, and you can ski, eat, and travel around the country for a tenth of what it costs in the West.

One of the best parts of visiting Bulgaria is the countryside, where castles, villages, and hiking trails – the Central Balkan National Park tops the list for great hikes and breathtaking views – are either free or very cheap to visit. While Sofia is the first stop for many visitors, smaller cities such as Plovdiv – home to over 200 archaeological sites – are even cheaper to explore.

Hotels in Bulgaria are particularly cheap outside of the summer months, and many include not only free breakfast but also free shuttles.

Top 2 cheapest European countries - Romania

Top 2 cheapest European countries - Romania

Romania is one of the cheapest destinations in Europe, especially if you're heading to the Carpathian mountains for some hiking or mainly focused on exploring the countryside. Even a visit to Brasov – home to Dracula's 14th-century Bran Castle – can be very affordable if you book a sightseeing day tour or don't mind slow train connections out of Bucharest. Trains aren't always in the best condition in Romania, but they are safe and very cheap.

Some of the most beautiful structures in Bucharest – including the 15th-century Old Town, Revolution Square, and Romania's own Arch of Triumph – are either free or very cheap to visit. In warmer weather, renting a bike can be a great way to explore smaller cities, or you can join one of the many free walking tours that depart from the center of town.

In most cases, it doesn't pay to shop at supermarkets here, as eating out is cheap in Romania, and the meals are hearty and filling. Local specialties such as sarmale (cabbage rolls), cozonac (sweet bread), or mamaliga (polenta, usually served with sour cream and strong cheese) are cheap, often sold at street food stalls, and a great way to get a quick intro to Romanian food.

Traveling to Romania with the convenience of minibus rental in Europe opens up a world of possibilities in this Eastern European gem. Romania, known for its diverse landscapes, historic castles, and vibrant culture, is a destination rich in experiences.

Minibus rental Europe supplied by MBS87 offers not only a comfortable and flexible means of transportation but also the opportunity to explore Romania's hidden treasures. 

Top 3 cheapest European countries - Montenegro

Top 3 cheapest European countries - Montenegro

Montenegro is a very new country – it regained independence in 2006 – and one many people couldn't even place on a map. Montenegro is a bit of everywhere in a country still trying to find itself – expect very cheap food prices as long as you stick to the hearty, meaty local foods such as a meat-stuffed pie-like burek; anything else will mean tourist prices. Most cities also host farmers markets on weekends – a great place to pick up a snack or a quick bite to eat for very cheap.

During July and August, the coast of Montenegro is filled with tourists – mainly from Russia, whose citizens don't need a visa to get in. If you're heading to hip coastal Budva or Herceg Novi towns, skip the summer months; otherwise, head inland for a visit to rugged mountains, glacial lakes, and UNESCO walled towns. For example, Crno Jezero, a mountain lake surrounding by deep green-bluish forest, is a stunning destination for hiking and swimming and completely free to enjoy.

Top 4 cheapest European countries - Portugal

Portugal's most attractive destinations are all about nature, sun, and the outdoors – meaning they're mostly free. The Faro District in the south of the country is a popular destination for its soft golden sands, cliffs, and lighthouses, while visitors to Madeira head there for the rugged volcanic hiking trails, the beautiful harbor, and the great scuba diving.

The biggest expenses on a trip to Portugal will be food and accommodations, though visiting outside peak season (June to August) will reduce costs considerably. From November to February, prices drop even more, but the temperatures remain around 17 to 18 degrees Celsius, so it's the perfect time to visit to score great bargains.

Top 5 cheapest European countries - Slovenia

A tiny country surrounded by giants – Italy, Austria, and Hungary are against its borders – Slovenia is a mountainous country covered in forest. Still, most visitors arrive here for the shoreline – sitting against the Adriatic Sea, Slovenia offers plenty of affordable sandy beaches and lots of sun.

While the summer season means more expensive accommodations along the coast, the beaches are all public and free, so it's possible to keep the costs to a minimum even during high season. Koper beach and nearby Mestna beach, Moon Bay, and the famous seaside resort of Portoroz are all very affordable in late spring, when temperatures are already summery, but the tourists haven't arrived yet.

Away from the coast, Lake Bled is perhaps the best-known destination. Located just 35 kilometers from the capital city, Ljubljana. The lake is an affordable destination and one of the most stunning sights in the country. Other budget destinations include medieval town Piran; the fortified village of Štanjel. And Triglav National Park, where you can hike to the top of Mount Triglav in two days with an overnight at a mountain hut.

Top 6 cheapest European countries - Hungary

Hungary is one of the most expensive countries in Eastern Europe. But still a fraction of the cost of traveling to major destinations in the Western half of the continent.

Hungary's capital, Budapest, is home to a long list of free attractions. Including walking on the Chain Bridge across the Danube and exploring the Castle Hill area. Although some of the attractions in the Castle area. Which includes the Buda Castle and the underground Castle Labyrinth – aren't free to visit, they're still very affordable. In the month of June, the city sponsors a "Night of the Museums," where you can visit many landmarks around Budapest for free.

The neo-Gothic Great Market Hall, Budapest's oldest indoor market, is a great place to search for budget souvenirs and cheap snacks, including many traditional Hungarian foods. Street food is another great way to save money when visiting. The country's favorite fast food is lángos, a sort of deep-fried pizza topped with cheese, tomato sauce, or sour cream.

Top 7 cheapest European countries - Slovakia

As Slovakia's capital, Bratislava is definitely the most expensive destination in the country – but even here. You can keep your trip cheap by taking advantage of the many free things the city has to offer.

In addition to many tiny galleries spread throughout the entire city. Bratislava is also home to lots of street sculptures – from bronze workmen coming out of sewer holes to life-size Napoleon's soldiers leaning against benches. Despite being the capital, Bratislava is relatively small and can be easily explored on foot. As most of the attractions and top things to do are located around the Old Town center area. If you're headed outside the city, trains and buses are cheap and very comfortable.

If you're looking for outdoor adventure, however, Slovakia offers plenty of things to do – and most of them are free. The High Tatras, Slovakia's tallest mountains and a massive national park, has hundreds of kilometers of hiking trails. Between June and October, the trails are perfect for hiking and exploring. In winter, many of them become great destinations for snowshoeing, as well as downhill and cross-country skiing. All national parks are free in Slovakia.

Slovakia is also home to many UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Castles, memorials, and monuments – all free or very cheap to discover.

Top 8 cheapest European countries - Poland

Poland's main cities – Krakow and Warsaw – are not always cheap, so if they are your main destinations. Avoid visiting in summer. Shoulder season (especially the months of March and April) are ideal months to travel to urban Poland. The weather is warming up, the prices are still low. And the castles and palaces that were closed during the winter are opening up again, often at discounted prices.

Poland's most famous destinations – including the Auschwitz-Birkenau camps, the Wieliczka Salt Mine. And Schindler's factory – are much less crowded in the off-season. So you won't waste time waiting in line. Many other attractions around the country are either very cheap or free to access. Including climbing the Old Town Hall tower for great views in Krakow. The 13th-century Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork, and the ancient Bialowieza Forest.

In the larger cities, museums often offer one free day a week . For example, the Royal Castle in Warsaw is free to enter on Wednesdays, while the Chopin Museum is free on Sundays.

While trains aren't always very cheap in Poland, you can get almost anywhere via bus for very little money. Long-distance buses such as Flixbus are comfortable, offer free Wi-Fi, and will get you to even the tiniest towns in Poland.

Top 9 cheapest European countries - Czech Republic

The Czech Republic is not as affordable as it used to be, but if much of your travel is outside the capital city of Prague. You'll be able to find plenty of bargains. This is especially true during the colder months (except for the second half of December. As the weeks around Christmastime are prime tourist season). January and February are the cheapest months. With March through May also offering some great discounts on flights and accommodations.

Many of Prague's main attractions are free but also part of many paid tours – rather than paying to be taken there. It makes more sense to grab a map and explore them on your own. This includes walking on Charles Bridge, stopping by the Astronomical Clock. And walking the cobblestone streets of Old Town Square and its medieval buildings.

10. Italy

Italy is one of the cheapest Western European countries to visit. The public transportation system in Italy is so amazing, there's truly no reason to ever grab a taxi while there. That said, if you're trying to cover everything from Milan to Pompeii in one visit. You'll end up spending lots of money on high-speed trains – if at all possible, just pick one region and stick to it. So you can just use local trains and buses to move around.

If you absolutely must see the sights of Rome and Venice on one trip. The local slower trains will take three times longer but cost you a quarter of the price. 

The best thing you can do to save money in Italy is avoid visiting in summer. When everything costs more, the lines for attractions are hours long. And the sticky weather makes it all a little more inconvenient. Even winter is a good time to visit, as most of Italy never gets truly cold . The average temperature in Rome in January is 7 degrees Celsius. But on sunny days it can easily reach 12 degrees Celsius. From November to February, you'll get great deals on accommodations and often cheap flights.

It's almost a crime to visit Italy and not order a big plate of pasta at a trattoria. But the country's local markets are an equally great choice. Spend a couple of hours browsing through the weekend markets to pick up some cheese, fresh bread, and sweets like fette biscottate to create your own snacks or quick lunches. In big cities, you'll also be charged to sit at most cafés and restaurants . So order your coffee to go or drink it standing up – the savings add up if you're a coffee fan.

11. Albania

Albania remains one of Europe's best-kept secrets. In addition to plenty of historical sights, amazing nature, and great summer weather. Albania also offers a long coastline – known as the Albanian Riviera – of pristine beaches and turquoise waters without the sticker-shock prices of other European destinations. Even the more famous beach destinations, such as Dhërmi and Ksamil, see moderate international tourism. And offer very affordable accommodations and restaurants all year-long.

To save even more, avoid the summer months if you're heading to the coast. And instead book your holiday for April, May, and early June (except for Easter week, when prices go up). It'll still be warm enough to enjoy the beach, but you'll enjoy special discounts, and avoid the crowds. If you're coming over for hiking or exploring the cities on foot, late September and October are good options.

While the winter months will offer bigger discounts for city stays (and yes, this includes the capital, Tirana, a great starting point for exploring the country). The mountains are too cold for casual outdoor adventures starting in November.

Sit-down restaurants are very affordable in Albania, but cafés and casual eateries even more so. Local bakeries are another great option to save money, as you can pick up a number of local pastries . Including the traditional spinach-and-cheese-filled Byrek – for pennies to carry as snacks for the day.

12. Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina

While not the cheapest country on this list, Bosnia-Herzegovina has one big advantage over other destination. Prices for flights and accommodations don't vary much during the year. This means you can visit in summer and enjoy rafting on the Neretva River. Or come over during the winter months for some Christmas market shopping and plenty of skiing on a budget.

There are plenty of very affordable ski resorts. Such as Jahorina and Babin Do, just a short drive away from capital city, Sarajevo.

Restaurants aren't particularly expensive here. But sticking to traditional and regional foods will save you even more money. As these can be found in smaller cafés or street stalls. Look for places serving Ćevapi (kebabs), Pljeskavica (grilled patty), and Đuveč (vegetable stew). Bosnia is also famous for its farmers markets. Where it's easy and very cheap to pick up fruits or pastries to snack on the go.

13. Estonia

Estonia

Tallinn, EstoniaOver the past decade, Estonia's capital, Tallinn, has become a hub for entrepreneurs and the self-employed. So it's no surprise that prices are higher here than in the rest of the country. Luckily, most visitors to Estonia only stay in the capital for a few days before moving on to explore some of the country's top things to do

Outside the capital, Estonia offers plenty of low-cost accommodations and cuisine – and this is even true in Tartu, Estonia's second-largest city. Where there's a lively art and music scene, including plenty of free festivals throughout the year.

Almost half of Estonia is covered in forests or other natural landscapes. So if you're looking for an outdoor vacation that won't break the bank, it doesn't get much better than this. National parks are free to enter and explore in Estonia. Otepää Nature Park. The country's largest protected area at over 22,000 hectares. Offers 65 lakes and plenty of trails (the 14-kilometer-long Lake Pühajärv hiking trail is particularly picturesque).

March to May and September to October are great months to visit. With up to 12 hours of daylight that make it easy to spend time outdoors exploring on foot. Plus, May and September are still warm and pleasant, but prices are much lower than in summer.

These 13 top cheapest European countries to visit offer a wealth of experiences for budget-conscious travelers. Without compromising on the beauty, culture, and adventure that Europe has to offer. Whether you're a backpacker on a tight budget or simply looking to make the most of your travel funds. These countries open the doors to unforgettable journeys that won't break the bank.

>>See more: 18 Hottest European resort destinations of summer

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