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There are many places in Europe where you can not only get cheap flights to with the likes of JustFly, but also that are going to be incredibly affordable for you as soon as you land! It’s all well and good grabbing a great flight deal but if the destination is over-priced then it may set some limitations on what you can see and do in that country for your holiday.
I have picked 11 destinations that are affordable, interesting and have something to offer other than just being cheap.
1. Albania
A beer: €0.81
A meal: €3-€6
Hotel Room: €25
I have lived in Albania for around 2 years and can officially say that it may be in the top 3 cheap European destinations. My rent for 1 month is €150, YES 150! Albania is not only affordable for tourists, but it also offers something truly special. Its culture is rich and many of the old traditions are still alive and well today. That might be because the country was a communist state for 40 years, so it was cut off from the outside. These days it’s becoming one of Europe’s best countries to visit and tourism is booming!
2. Poland
A beer: €1.80
A meal: €5- €7
Hotel Room: €40-€50
Poland has long been an affordable destination for tourists and one of the most popular. Cities like Krakow, Warsaw and Wroclaw are amongst the most popular. Poland offers a unique history, beautiful architecture and heart-warming food. It’s also known for its beer so if you’re a beer lover and are looking for a holiday with the lads, this is a top pick!
3. Czech Republic
A beer: €1.50
A meal: €5- €7
Hotel Room: €50
The Czech Republic has long been a haven for budget travellers. Also known for its beer and great food, the country is the perfect place to have an affordable holiday, learn about some fascinating European history and marvel at its most popular city – Prague. Prague is one of my favourite places in the world. A great introduction to the city is by doing a food tour where you’ll learn about the gastronomy and a little about local life and customs.
4. Romania
A beer: €1.60
A meal: €5- €7
Hotel Room: €30-40
Romania is a firm Balkan favourite and a country in which tourists are slowly seeing big potential. It’s by far one of the cheapest countries within this list. If you visit lesser-known places you will find prices even cheaper than the ones listed above. I highly recommend visiting cities like Sighisoara, Sibiu and Brasov – all incredible places within Transylvania. Bucharest, the capital, is one of the upcoming destinations of Europe with a growing art and food scene making it a hub for creatives.
5. Ukraine
A beer: €0.90
A meal: €3- €6
Hotel Room: €35
Ukraine has gained huge popularity because of the recent HBO docuseries ‘Chernobyl’. People are flocking to Kyiv to take one of the tours which take you right into the tragedy. You will find once landing into Ukraine that it’s very affordable for travellers. The most important price is the price of a beer which can be as low as 90 cents, how crazy is that?!
6. Kosovo
A beer: €1.50
A meal: €2- €4
Hotel Room: €30
Kosovo is one of the best Balkan destinations for travelling and one of my personal favourites. It’s a little under the radar as well but this small country packs a punch. Meals are incredibly affordable; you can grab something to eat for as low as €2.
Coffee is the drink of choice in Kosovo, there are so many coffee shops. In fact, having a coffee should be a sport here. Grabbing an expresso is less than €1, but chances are if you have one with a local, they will insist they pay because the people of Kosovo are some of the nicest and most welcoming in Europe!
7. Hungary
A beer: €1.50
A meal: €6- €8
Hotel Room: €60-€80
Everyone knows Budapest, Hungary’s lively capital and one of the best places to visit within Europe. Budapest is a huge hub for expats which means that the cost of living is low, and the quality of life is great for tourists! Hungary has some fascinating history and some beautiful buildings. It’s also great to visit any time of year. In the winter the snow makes the likes of Budapest so magical!
8. Lithuania
A beer: €2
A meal: €8- €10
Hotel Room: €35-€55
The capital of Lithuania, Vilnius is an incredible city to visit on a trip to Lithuania. It’s a total hidden gem in Europe with most people not knowing where Lithuania even is! You won’t be disappointed when you arrive. Make sure you take a visit to the creepy Hill of Witches. It’s a trail which leads you into a forest full of interesting statues of witches, devils and other characters from Lithuanian folk history.
9. Bulgaria
A beer: €1.20
A meal: €6- €8
Hotel Room: €20-€40
A trip to Bulgaria is a must if you love great food, cheap prices, enchanting castles, old UNESCO sites and beach holidays. Bulgaria has it all. Make sure you stopover in the city of Sofia known for its growing food scene and beautifully decorated cathedrals. Plovdiv is an ancient city which is also not to be missed. In 2019 it was named the European Capital of Culture.
10. Turkey
A beer: €2.60
A meal: €4.50- €7
Hotel Room: €30-€50
Firstly, Turkey is an enormous country and has a lot to offer. Istanbul is one of the most interesting and exciting cities in Europe. It has so much going on, from mosques, cobbled streets and food and hookah bars that will leave you dreaming for weeks. If you visit Turkey you must visit Cappadocia, known for its strange fairy chimneys, caves and balloon rides. Pamukkale is a UNESCO site which shouldn’t be missed. Its natural rock pools are some of the most photographed sites in the world. There is so much to do so I highly recommend reading this guide on the best things to do in the country.
11. Montenegro
A beer: €1.50
A meal: €5- €7
Hotel Room: €30-€50
Montenegro is a Balkan gem and one of the best places to take a holiday too if you’re looking for natural beauty and affordable prices. Some great hot spots within the country include Kotor, Budva and Sveti Stefan. They have an incredible national park called Durmitor which has some great hikes, tranquil lakes and is a must-visit, even in winter! The prices are incredibly affordable compared to western European destinations.
There’s a big list of 11 European destinations which I recommend visiting for the budget-conscious traveller. Comment below what other European destinations you recommend visiting that’s light on the wallet!
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