Think Europe has to cost a fortune? Think again. While the crowds queue up at the Eiffel Tower and the Colosseum, a handful of extraordinary countries are quietly offering world-class scenery, rich history, and mouthwatering food, all for a fraction of the price. Grab your passport; this is the budget traveller’s guide to Europe’s most underrated destinations.
The secret is well and truly out, Western Europe can be expensive. But venture a little further east, dip into the Balkans, or head towards the Caucasus, and you’ll discover a completely different side of the continent: one brimming with authenticity, warmth, and incredible value for money. These five destinations consistently rank among the cheapest European destinations for tourists, yet they punch well above their weight when it comes to experiences.
Here’s our pick of the best affordable European countries worth adding to your travel wish list right now.
1. Albania: The Riviera’s Best-Kept Secret
💰 Approximate daily budget: £25–£45
If you haven’t been to Albania yet, you are genuinely missing out on one of Europe’s most exciting travel destinations. For years this small Balkan nation flew completely under the radar, and whilst the word is slowly getting out, it remains delightfully uncrowded and extraordinarily affordable.
The Albanian Riviera stretches along the Ionian Sea with waters so brilliantly turquoise you’ll be convinced someone’s edited the photos, except they haven’t. Beach towns like Ksamil and Himara offer pristine stretches of coast without the eye-watering price tags you’d find in Greece or Croatia just across the water. A decent meal at a local restaurant? You’re looking at £5–£8. A cold craft beer by the sea? Often under £2.
Beyond the beaches, the ancient city of Gjirokastër is a UNESCO-listed gem of Ottoman architecture tumbling down a mountainside, while the capital Tirana surprises with colourful street art, buzzing café culture, and a burgeoning food scene. The Accursed Mountains in the north offer some of the most dramatic alpine hiking in the Balkans, largely trail-free and gloriously unspoilt.
🗺 Traveller’s Tip: Most nationalities can enter Albania visa-free. The local currency is the Albanian Lek (ALL), and cash is still king in smaller towns, so come prepared. English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
2. Bosnia & Herzegovina: Where East Meets West Over Coffee
💰 Approximate daily budget: £20–£40
Bosnia & Herzegovina is one of those countries that gets under your skin and simply refuses to let go. Its complex history, extraordinary landscapes, and the warmest hospitality in the Balkans combine to create a travel experience that is deeply moving and utterly memorable — without costing the earth.
Sarajevo is the star of the show: a city where Ottoman mosques, Austro-Hungarian architecture, and socialist-era buildings sit side by side as a living testament to centuries of layered history. The famous Baščaršija bazaar is the heart of the old town, where you can sip a proper Bosnian coffee — thick, strong, and served with Turkish delight, for mere pennies and watch the world go by. A full three-course dinner at a traditional restaurant rarely exceeds £10.
Then there’s Mostar, with its iconic Stari Most bridge arching gracefully over the emerald-green Neretva River — one of the most photographed scenes in the Balkans, and rightly so. The countryside beyond the cities is equally spectacular: the waterfalls at Kravica, the river canyons of Neretva, and the medieval fortress town of Počitelj all reward those willing to explore.
🗺 Traveller’s Tip: The Convertible Marka (BAM) is pegged to the Euro at a fixed rate, making budgeting straightforward. Intercity buses are cheap and reliable. Don’t miss a traditional Bosnian breakfast of pita bread with kajmak (clotted cream) — it’ll cost you next to nothing and set you up beautifully for the day.
3. Georgia: Ancient Kingdoms, Infinite Wine & Staggering Mountains
💰 Approximate daily budget: £25–£50
Technically sitting at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Georgia is undeniably European in culture and soul, and it offers some of the most jaw-dropping scenery, most distinctive cuisine, and most generous hospitality you’ll find anywhere on the continent, at prices that feel almost implausibly low.
The capital Tbilisi is a revelation: a glorious tangle of crumbling balconied houses, ancient churches, Soviet-era architecture, and cool wine bars all piled together on the banks of the Mtkvari River. The Old Town’s cobbled lanes are perfect for wandering, and the food scene is absolutely magnificent. Georgian cuisine is one of the great unsung culinary traditions of the world, the cheesy bread khachapuri, the walnut-stuffed dumplings called khinkali, and the extraordinary array of vegetable dishes will have you eating extremely well for very little.
Wine lovers should know that Georgia is widely considered the birthplace of wine, with an 8,000-year-old winemaking tradition. The Kakheti region produces wonderful natural wines, and a full bottle from a local producer can cost as little as £3–£5. Beyond the cities, the Caucasus Mountains offer world-class trekking, medieval monasteries perched on cliffsides, and ancient cave cities that feel plucked straight from another era.
🗺 Traveller’s Tip: Most European and British passport holders can stay in Georgia visa-free for up to 365 days — yes, a whole year. The Georgian Lari (GEL) goes a very long way. Marshrutky (shared minibuses) connect cities cheaply, and Tbilisi has a fantastic, inexpensive metro system.
4. North Macedonia: Byzantine Beauty on a Shoestring
💰 Approximate daily budget: £20–£38
Tiny, landlocked, and frequently overlooked on European itineraries, North Macedonia is a genuinely fantastic destination for the curious budget traveller. It offers ancient history, beautiful lakes, and a fascinating cultural mix, all at prices that are amongst the lowest on the continent.
Ohrid, on the shores of the vast Lake Ohrid, one of Europe’s oldest and deepest lakes, is the undisputed highlight. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s a stunning town of Byzantine churches, Roman amphitheatres, and medieval fortresses tumbling down to glittering water that shifts between deep blue and luminous green depending on the light. Accommodation here is excellent value, and the local speciality, Ohrid trout, is both delicious and remarkably cheap.
The capital Skopje is a curious and entertaining mix of ancient Ottoman bazaars and extravagant neoclassical statues, the result of a somewhat controversial 2010s urban renewal project that gives the city a uniquely theatrical character. The Old Bazaar (Čaršija) is one of the finest in the Balkans: full of craftsmen, teahouses, and mosques that have barely changed in centuries. Eating out here is excellent value, a hearty Macedonian meal with a carafe of local wine rarely tops £10.
🗺 Traveller’s Tip: The Macedonian Denar (MKD) is the local currency. North Macedonia is an EU candidate country but not yet a member, so it remains outside the Eurozone. Tipping around 10% is appreciated but not obligatory. The country is very compact, making it easy to see a great deal in just a few days.
5. Bulgaria: Mountains, Monasteries & Magnificent Value
💰 Approximate daily budget: £28–£50
Bulgaria is the EU’s most affordable member state, and whilst it’s better known than some of the other entries on this list, it remains wildly underrated as a tourist destination. Beyond the stag-do crowds of Sunny Beach lies a country of extraordinary beauty, deep history, and endlessly surprising experiences.
Sofia, the capital, is a delight: a cosmopolitan city with an exceptional café culture, wonderful museums, and a remarkable collection of ancient monuments, from Thracian tombs to Roman ruins to Byzantine churches, all tucked in between the city’s streets. The nearby Vitosha Mountain means you can hike above the clouds in the morning and be back in a lively city bar by evening. Excellent coffee and a pastry in Sofia? Under £2. A proper restaurant dinner? Rarely more than £10–£12.
The Rhodope Mountains in the south are magical, deep gorges, medieval Plovdiv (widely regarded as one of Europe’s most beautiful cities), and tiny villages where time moves at a gentle pace. In winter, ski resorts like Bansko and Borovets offer slopes comparable to Western European resorts at a fraction of the price. The Black Sea coast, meanwhile, provides a beach holiday alternative to the Greek or Turkish Riviera, with resorts ranging from the lively (Nessebar, another UNESCO site) to the blissfully quiet.
🗺 Traveller’s Tip: Bulgaria uses the Bulgarian Lev (BGN), which is pegged to the Euro. As an EU member, travel from the UK to Bulgaria is straightforward. Public transport is inexpensive and efficient between major cities. If you’re hiring a car, fuel prices are amongst the lowest in Europe.
Final Thoughts: Budget Travel Doesn’t Mean Compromising
There’s a common misconception that budget travel means compromising on quality or experience. These five destinations prove the opposite. Albania’s Riviera rivals anything on the Adriatic. Bosnia’s mountain cuisine rivals anything in the broader region. Georgia’s wine culture rivals France in passion if not in fame. North Macedonia’s Byzantine churches are as breathtaking as those in Greece. And Bulgaria’s skiing is as good as Austria’s for half the cost.
The only thing you might miss out on is the crowds, and somehow, we don’t think you’ll mind that one bit.
So whether you’re planning a solo adventure, a romantic escape, or a family holiday that won’t require remortgaging the house, these affordable European destinations are waiting for you. Pack light, wander freely, and remember: the best paths are always the ones less travelled. Ready to start planning your next adventure? Browse our full collection of great value trips and hidden gem destinations – your next unforgettable trip might be just one click away!
Have you visited any of these budget-friendly European countries? And if you found this guide useful, don’t forget to share it with a fellow travel lover.
Written by James Chisnall
The post Europe on a Budget: Incredible Destinations That Won’t Break the Bank appeared first on Untravelled Paths.
from Untravelled Paths https://blog.untravelledpaths.com/blog/europe-on-a-budget/
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