07 cheap cities to visit in Europe

Most Brazilians think you need a lot of money to visit Europe. Do you think so too? If your answer is yes, this post is for you! Below, I’m going to list 7 cheap cities to visit in Europe, and you’ll see that the trip can cost much less than you imagine!

Of course, expensive and cheap are two relative concepts that depend on how much money each person has and their personal priorities. That’s why my list of cheap cities to visit in Europe is based on research about the cost of living in each of the destinations mentioned.

Another thing you need to keep in mind is that a city can have a low cost of living, but your trip can still be expensive, the final cost will depend on you! To make your trip more affordable, it’s a good idea to adopt some strategies, such as:

• Avoid eating every meal at restaurants;

• Don’t eat at restaurants near tourist spots (you’ll likely pay "tourist prices");

• Cook your own food (most hostels have a shared kitchen);

• Stay in hostels or try Couchsurfing;

• Walk whenever possible (besides saving money, you’ll get to know the places better).

  
  

Ready to check out the list of the cheapest cities to visit in Europe?

Cheap cities to visit in Europe

My list is in no particular order, and I’m going to start with the ones I like the most!

Budapest

It’s the capital of Hungary and one of the most interesting cities in Europe! Budapest is a great destination for backpackers, as it offers affordable public transportation, budget-friendly accommodations, and tons of beautiful places to explore!

Although Hungary is part of the European Union, it hasn't adopted the euro yet. The official currency there is the forint, which is worth less than the euro, meaning your euros will go further! Just to compare: in Budapest, a McDonald's combo costs about 1,600 forints or €4.50. In Paris (one of the most expensive cities), the same combo costs €9.

Prague

Another destination that had to make it onto my list of cheap cities to visit in Europe! Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic and is very close to Budapest, you can even visit both cities on the same trip.

Like Hungary, the Czech Republic hasn't adopted the euro as its official currency, and the Czech koruna is also devalued compared to the euro. Remember that McDonald's combo I mentioned earlier? In Prague, it costs €5.90, so cheaper than Paris, but more expensive than Budapest.

It’s a destination that enchants most travelers, whether because of its unique architecture, historical richness, or affordable cost of living. There, you’ll find budget-friendly lodging, public transportation, attractions, and food.

Kraków

It’s the second-largest city in Poland and draws travelers for being close to the Auschwitz Concentration Camp. If you’re interested in history, especially topics like Nazism, the Holocaust, and World War II, you’ll find Kraków to be a super interesting destination!

Just like the two cities mentioned above, Kraków does not use the euro as its official currency. Instead, the Polish złoty is used, which is also worth less than the euro. For example, the McDonald’s combo I’ve been using as a reference costs €4.91 in Kraków.

Kyiv

Kyiv is the capital and largest city of Ukraine. It’s a destination that’s rarely visited by Brazilian tourists, who tend to go for more well-known places like Paris, Rome, and London, cities that are not only expensive but also pretty cliché.

In Kyiv, travelers can enjoy cheap food, accommodation, sightseeing, and transportation. On top of that, you’ll have access to a rich culture and a lesser-known history! If you’re looking for somewhere different and affordable to visit, Kyiv is definitely a great option.

Remember that McDonald’s combo that costs €9 in Paris? Well, in Kyiv, it costs just €3.56! That’s right, you could get two meals and still have money left over. And just like the other destinations mentioned above, Ukraine does not use the euro; its official currency is the hryvnia.

Tallinn

If you’ve never heard of Tallinn before, it’s the capital of Estonia. Not sure where Estonia is either? The country is located in the Baltic region, near Finland, Russia, and Latvia.

To give you an idea of how cheap things are in Tallinn, many residents of Helsinki (the capital of Finland) take a ferry to cross over and shop in the Estonian capital, especially for alcoholic beverages, which are very expensive in Finland. The McDonald’s combo costs €6 in Tallinn, still cheaper than in Paris.

Zagreb

Zagreb is the capital of Croatia and an incredibly interesting city for those who enjoy architecture and history! Although Croatia is part of the European Union, its official currency is not the euro, but the Croatian kuna, which is less valuable than the euro.

In Zagreb, the McDonald’s combo mentioned throughout this post costs €5.99. You can find accommodation for under €15 per night and meals that are even cheaper than that combo.

Belgrade

To wrap up the list of cheap cities to visit in Europe, we have the capital of Serbia! Like many destinations listed in this post, Belgrade isn’t a place frequently visited by Brazilians, but it’s definitely worth exploring!

In addition to its low cost of living, it offers great restaurants with affordable prices, budget-friendly accommodation, and a lot of history and culture! There, the McDonald’s combo costs €5.27.

Now that you know the names of some cheap cities to visit in Europe, how about starting to plan your trip?! If you have any questions about the destinations I listed above, leave your comment below and I’ll reply as soon as possible!

Kisses and see you around the world!