8 Cheapest Countries to Visit in Europe

Europe is a treasure trove of wonderful places. What's more, with low-cost carriers such as the cheap and cheerful EasyJet and Wizz Air flying people about the continent, it's now pretty cheap to get around. Using PayPal and PayPal Credit to pay for flights while you travel around also helps as it allows you to track your travel funds and make sure you are still keeping your travel experiences within budget.

In this guide, we’ll explore some of the cheapest countries to visit in Europe, including average daily costs, what makes them affordable, and tips for finding great-value flights to get you there. Your next budget-friendly European adventure starts here.

1. Hungary

Budapest is one of those cities that feels far more expensive than it actually is. Known as the Spa Capital of the World, it’s the perfect place for a relaxing European getaway that won’t stretch your budget. The city is packed with history, from the stunning Castle District to the lively streets across the river, like Váci Street, filled with local markets, food stalls and Hungarian souvenirs.

Five-star hotels can cost under $200 a night, while hostels start from as little as $9–$12. Getting around is easy thanks to the city’s reliable bus, tram and metro network, typically costing between $4–$12 depending on your stay. Eating out won’t break the bank either, with a three-course meal for two averaging around $31 and beers in the city centre costing roughly $1.80. Even major attractions like Buda Castle are budget-friendly, with entry priced at just $3.67.

Airlines that fly there:

With airlines such as LOT Polish Airlines, Ryanair, Smartwings Hungary and Wizz Air flying into the city, Budapest makes an affordable European escape feel effortless.

2. Portugal

Lisbon remains a good bargain among European capitals, and the rest of Portugal offers something for everyone. Whether you're travelling on a budget or aiming for a luxurious break in the city, Lisbon accommodates all. Accommodation and flights may be pricier than you'd hope for, but once you land there's an abundance of popular, free tourist attractions to experience including Museu Berardo, a collection of 1000 pieces of contemporary and modern art, and the old neighbourhoods of Alfama and Madragoa. Popular attractions such as Castelo de São Jorge, Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, Oceanário de Lisboa and Torre de Belém offer plenty to fill your itinerary.

Portugal uses the Euro, and costs on the ground are generally reasonable. A mid-range hotel averages around $120 per night, while a private double room in a budget hotel costs about $80. Getting around is easy and affordable, with trains, trams, ferries and buses typically priced between $1 and $6. Dining out is good value too, with a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant averaging $40, and a beer or glass of wine usually costing between $2 and $3.

Airlines that fly there:

Many airlines including TAP Air Portugal and Turkish Airlines, fly into Lisbon. It’s an accessible and rewarding European escape.

3. Greece

Bratislava often gets overlooked thanks to its close proximity to Vienna, but that’s part of its charm. Just a short journey from Austria’s grand capital, Slovakia’s capital city feels calmer, smaller and far less touristy. While it may not be packed with bucket-list landmarks, its historic old town is lovely to explore at a slow pace, with cobbled streets, pretty squares and cosy cafés.

Athens, on the other hand, delivers big-name history with surprisingly reasonable prices. If you’ve ever wanted to see ancient Greece up close, this is the place to do it without blowing your budget. After a day of sightseeing, head to the Monastiraki neighbourhood where you can enjoy classic Greek dishes like souvlaki or a fresh Greek salad without overspending.

Greece uses the Euro, and Athens is still great value for a European capital. Mid-range hotels average around $50 per night, with higher-end doubles at about $80. Public transport costs between $1 and $5 per journey, meals are around $25, beers about $3, and cocktails roughly $10. The Acropolis combo ticket, which includes multiple major sites, costs around $70.

Airlines that fly there:

Many airlines including Aegean Airlines and Sky Express are available to book with. These airlines provide fast, convenient connections between Greek cities, popular islands and remote destinations.

4. Slovenia

Ljubljana, Slovenia’s charming capital, is a compact and leafy city filled with open green spaces, beautiful cathedrals and lively local markets. It’s easy to explore on foot and offers a relaxed atmosphere that feels both cultural and creative. While you’re there, it’s well worth taking the short one-hour train journey to Lake Bled. Surrounded by mountains and known for its picture-perfect island church, Lake Bled is ideal for hiking, fresh air and dramatic scenery, a peaceful and budget-friendly escape from the capital’s café and nightlife scene.

Slovenia uses the Euro, and prices remain reasonable: mid-range hotel rooms start at around $35, while top hotels cost about $130. Local buses begin from $1.30 per journey, you can expect to spend around $40 per day eating and drinking at good restaurants, and a pint of beer costs roughly $2. Attractions are affordable too, with Ljubljana Castle priced at $13 per adult and sights like Dragon Bridge free to visit.

Airlines that fly there:

Airlines such as Lufthansa, Wizz Air and SWISS offer flights to Ljubljana, making it an accessible and budget-conscious European break.

5. Malta

The island of Malta may be small but it's packed full of culture and activities that are perfect for any traveller looking for a low-cost break within Europe. Take a tour of Mdina, otherwise known as Malta's Silent City, which was once inhabited by Malta's noble families and made up of Norman and Baroque architecture. Why not take a look at the Popeye Village, where the 1980 musical production of Popeye took place! The natural beauty of Malta cannot be missed - the island is surrounded by crystal clear water and beautiful beaches, all of which are free to visit.

Malta uses the Euro and offers excellent value, with hostel beds available for under $5 and comfortable 3-star hotel rooms for less than $70 per night. Buses connect towns across the island for just $1.50–$2 per journey, with taxis also readily available. Dining out is reasonably priced too, with a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant averaging around $40. Popular attractions include Mdina, the Ħal-Saflieni Hypogeum, Golden Bay, the fishing village of Marsaxlokk and the stunning St. John’s Co-Cathedral.

Airlines that fly here:

Air Malta, easyJet and Ryanair all offer cheap flights to Malta from within Europe

6. Slovakia

Bratislava is home to Slovakia's historic castles, palaces and statues. Remember the Danube River we mentioned earlier than passes through Budapest? It also passes through Bratislava, it's the perfect place to find accommodation where you can view the river and be in the centre of the city at the same time.

If you're planning a tour through Eastern Europe, you can also take a riverboat from Bratislava all the way through to Budapest or Vienna along the Danube River, a much cheaper alternative to flying. The grounds of Bratislava castle are free to view, however, if you'd like a tour of the castle interior, it's only $10 per person.

Slovakia uses the Euro, and prices remain very reasonable: peak-season rooms are rarely more than $50 per night (often including breakfast), public transport ranges from $0.70 for short journeys to $3.50 for a 24-hour ticket, and a three-course meal for two costs around $40. Beers are approximately $1.40, wine around $5 per bottle, and many attractions cost little to nothing to enter, typically between $0–$10.

Airlines that fly here:

Several airlines operate flights to Slovakia, mainly serving Bratislava Airport (BTS), the country’s main international gateway. Low-cost carriers dominate the routes, with Ryanair and Wizz Air offering the widest range of direct connections from cities across Europe

7. Poland

Ever heard of visiting a beach inside a city? Well in Warsaw, this is an actual thing. It's called Vistula and its a stretch of natural, sandy beaches located alongside the River Vistula where you can sit back and enjoy the view of the city or even play a game of volleyball! If you don't want to break the bank, you can take a wander around the Old Town, visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier or visit the Warsaw Uprising Museum.

Poland uses the Polish złoty, and Warsaw offers excellent value for a European city break. City-centre hostels start from around $10 per night, while comfortable mid-range hotels average about $60 per night. Getting around is affordable and straightforward, with buses and trams operating across the city from just $0.90 per fare.

Food is reasonably priced too, you can enjoy a solid breakfast, lunch and dinner for roughly $37 per person per day. Drinks won’t stretch your budget either, with a beer costing around $3 and a bottle of wine about $6 in supermarkets.

Airlines that fly there:

If you're flying from the US, the cheapest airline that flies direct to Warsaw is LOT Polish Airlines

8. Spain

When travelling to Spain on a budget, it all depends on where you're staying if you don't want to break the bank. One of the cheapest cities to visit in Spain is Granada. Packed with mountainous views, ancient architecture and traditional Spanish markets, Granada is the perfect setting for those looking for a cultural visit to Spain while on a budget.

A must-do for any tourist is to visit the Alhambra, an ancient palace full of beautiful flowers, pools and fountains - tickets are very affordable and it's well worth the views once you get inside the palace! Other low-cost attractions in Granada include the Plaza del Principe, a square with an abundance of restaurants for wining and dining, and Granada Cathedral, a Spanish Renaissance church built in the 16th Century (tickets only €5 EUR for adults!).

Spain uses the Euro, and Granada remains good value: you can find a very nice hotel for around €40 per night, while transport options include a Hop-On-Hop-Off train for €8 per day, buses from €1.40 and taxis starting at around €0.82–€1.30 per kilometre. A three-course meal for two averages €50, beers cost about €2.50 and a bottle of wine around €5.

Airlines that fly there:

If you are flying to spain then consider flying with one of these airlines: Iberia, American Airlines, Vueling, Turkish Airlines

Travelling to Europe from the USA?

Take a look to see which countries are in the Schengen area and whether you'll need a visa to visit them.

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Top Travel Money Tip

Using PayPal or PayPal Credit to pay for your flights when you're on the go also helps for packing light (no need to carry plastic cards!). Also using the PayPal app helps keep track of the funds going in and out of your bank account.