For anyone looking to travel to Europe on a budget but struggling with what, where and how questions, there are many affordable European countries and cities that promise a memorable trip without depleting your savings. 

The cheapest destinations in Europe also offer similar breathtaking landscapes, endless adventures and vibrant cultures to fuel your wanderlust at affordable rates. 

To help you plan trip itineraries to travel to Europe on a budget, we have created a list of some of the least expensive countries in Europe that you can explore to tick Europe off your bucket list. 

List of 10 Cheapest Countries in Europe: Month and Flight Costs

Detailed Insights of the 10 Cheapest Countries in Europe

Europe is home to ancient castles, picturesque sights and charming towns spread in all cities and countries. Thus, choosing the most affordable places to travel in Europe promises a memorable experience and ensures peace of mind by exploring the places within the necessary budget. 

Here are some of the inexpensive places to travel in Europe for Indian travellers. 

Montenegro

Located in southeastern Europe, Montenegro is a hidden, diverse country with a dramatic coastline and charming and some of the most affordable cities in Europe, like Kotor and Budva. 

As one of the smallest countries on the continent, Montenegro is also one of the most affordable places to travel in Europe. The country is home to just about 6,00,000 people and has a wide range of mountains and water bodies.

• ​Things to Do - Go hiking in Lovcen National Park, take a cruise to Boka Bay, visit the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, sunbathe at Budva Riviera or take a train ride through the Lipa Cave.

• Top Attractions - UNESCO-listed Old Town, Lipa Cave, Our Lady of the Rocks, Skadar Lake National Park, Kotor Serpentine, and Ostrog Monastery. 

Estonia

If you are interested in mediaeval history with a touch of modernity, Estonia is the place to be. Located along the Baltic Sea coastline, Estonia is often referred to as the land of forests and mediaeval architecture.

If you are looking for cheap places to travel in Europe, Tallinn, the capital city of Estonia, is the place to be. It offers budget-friendly accommodation, free walking tours, and economical public transport. 

• ​Things to Do - Book private sightseeing walking or cycling tours, a cruise, capture the panoramic views from Toompea Hill or take a horse-drawn carriage ride at the Eesti Vabaohumuuseum. 

• Top Attractions - Eesti Meremuuseum, Tallinna Raekoja Plats, Kadriorg Palace, St. Olaf’s Church, Kumu Art Museum and Tallinn Town Wall.

Croatia

For money-conscious travellers, Croatia is considered to be one of the cheapest destinations in Europe. Blessed with the stunning Adriatic coastline, it is a land of rich history and captivating architecture. From the 1244 islands in Croatia, many fall under the list of top islands in Europe to visit for fun activities and peace.

Some of the affordable cities in Europe present in Croatia include Slavonski Brod, Dubrovnik, and Zagreb. Moreover, you can explore a range of accommodation options depending on budget. 

• Things to Do - Hit the beaches of Dalmatia, go scuba diving to explore underwater museums, book a wine tour, take a Dubrovnik cable car or hop between different islands. 

• Top Attractions - Golden Horn Beach, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Walls of Dubrovnik, Lokrum Island, Sea Organ, Diocletian’s Palace, Golden Cape and Zlatni Rat.

 Slovakia

Located in Central Europe, Slovakia offers a fascinating mix of natural beauty, cultural charm, and rich history. It is also one of the hidden gems of Europe for budget travellers. Slovakian culture, with folklore traditions, delicious delicacies, and welcoming hospitality, makes you feel at home. 

Additionally, it offers a range of activities and sights for nature and history lovers, with mediaeval architecture at every turn.

• Things to Do - Book a visit to the UFO Observation Deck, spend a day in the Carpathian wine region, explore various caves or relax in a thermal bath.

• Top Attractions - Bratislava Castle, Spissky Castle, Demanovska Castle, High Tatras National Park and Dobsinska Ice Cave.

Austria

For travellers looking for adventure-driven European escape, Austria is the perfect choice. From mountains and lakes surrounding the country, the cultural treasures ensure a unique and memorable travel experience when in Austria. 

Austria is often considered a little expensive as a country in comparison to others on the list, but proper planning and pre-booking for different activities and accommodation options can significantly reduce expenses. 

• Things to Do - Bike or hike in the Alps, visit mountain villages, attend a concert at the Hofburg Palace complex, explore winter sports activities or book a salt mine tour. 

• Top Attractions - Schonbrunn Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Schonbrunner Gardens, the Natural History Museum, Vienna City Hall, Vienna’s Giant Ferris Wheel, Hallstatt and Hohensalzburg Fortress.

Czech Republic

The Czech Republic welcomes travellers with a good mix of cultural monuments, cities, castles, villages, and numerous UNESCO-listed sites. It is one of the popular gems of Central Europe that captivates you with a blend of dramatic landscapes and rich heritage.

Whether you are a history buff or a nature lover, the Czech Republic promises a budget-friendly trip along with numerous immersive experiences to make your trip the best one yet. 

• Things to Do - Book a skiing trip to the Krkonose Mountains, spend a relaxing day at one of the historical bathhouses, explore Prague and experience the Renaissance era by visiting the Lesser Town.

• Top Attractions - Charles Bridge, St. Vitus Cathedral, Astronomical Clock, Spanish Synagogues, Obecni Dum and Lobkowicz Palace. 

Greece 

Greece is one of the most affordable places to travel in Europe. It is also known as the land of stunning beaches, unique food delicacies, white architecture and Western civilisation. It is also home to 18 UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Greece has a coastline of over 16,000 km with 2000 different islands, various small and popular beaches and bays. Travellers are often fascinated by the country's long stretch of blue water and numerous islands. 

• Things to Do - Book a private tour around your favourite city, take a cruise to explore Santorini, choose a guided tour to explore the Acropolis Museum, taste different wines on a wine tour or book a dress photoshoot at the top locations in the country.

• Top Attractions - Sarakiniko Beach in Milos, Parthenon, Santorini, Zakynthos, Historic Centre of Athens, Meteora, Mount Athos, the Acropolis and Mykonos. 

Hungary

Famous for its old towns and folk traditions, Hungary is one of the cheapest destinations in Europe. It entices travellers with its rich history and historical sights, warm hospitality and budget-friendly accommodation options. 

Hungary also tops the list of low-cost-of-living countries in Europe. As the cheapest country on the continent, it is a great place to relocate for education or career development when on a budget. 

• Things to Do - Book a thermal bath, indulge in a wide range of delicacies, book a wine tour, take a guided walking or cycling tour around the Danube River or hike in Bukk National Park.

• Top Attractions - Buda Castle District, Chain Bridge, Danube River, Hungarian Parliament Building, Hungarian National Museum, Lake Balaton and Szechenyi Baths. 

Albania

Another popular yet one of the most affordable European countries is Albania. Located along the Ionian and Adriatic seas, Albania is considered to be an off-beat tourist destination due to the smaller crowd for the most part of the year.

Albania should be on your list of must-visit destinations in Europe. It offers cheap accommodation and many free activities to explore. Moreover, its Ottoman architecture, pristine beaches, and numerous archaeological sites make it ideal for everyone.  

• Things to Do - Soak up the sun at the beaches, climb the hillside for picturesque views, take a dip in the crystal-clear freshwater, visit Ottoman houses, observe birdlife and explore various coral reefs. 

• Top Attractions - Butrint National Park, Shkoder, Albanian Riviera Beaches, Berat Castle, Theth National Park and Gijrokaster.

Bulgaria

Bulgaria, located in Southeastern Europe, also tops the list of cheap places to travel in Europe. The stunning beaches and the dramatic mountain tops make this country a nature’s paradise. 

From various budget-friendly hostels and hotels to cheap dine-in options for country delicacies, Bulgaria promises a pocket-friendly trip with endless memories. Moreover, you can explore ancient historical sites dating back to the Thracians to learn as you travel. 

• Things to Do - Go for water sports at Sunny Beach, book skiing in Pamporovo, enjoy a musical fountain show at Park Tsar Simeon, witness a light and sound show at Tsarevets, and visit the Dolphinarium that overlooks the Black Sea. 

• Top Attractions - Varna Archaeological Museum, Rila Monastery, Tsarevets Fortress, Boyana Church, Nessebar, Old Town of Plovdiv, Church of Saint Sophia, Pirin National Park and Vitosha Boulevard. 

Top Tips to Travel to Europe on a Budget

1. Compare different flights from a range of providers and airlines to choose the most economical flight. 

2. Be flexible with your travel dates to and from the least expensive countries in Europe. This helps with better packages and cheaper flight bookings. 

3. Plan your travel during the shoulder or off-season to any of the affordable European countries, as the crowd is limited, and flights, accommodation, and activity prices drop during these seasons. 

4. When booking a flight, try to compare the price differences between a direct flight and a flight to nearby airports from the chosen country. 

5. Research and include as many free walking, guided, cycling, hiking, and similar tours as possible, as that helps you save a lot without having to miss out on any of the top attractions. 

6. Use public transport as much as possible. Most affordable countries in Europe have excellent networks for easy commutes.  

7. Book your accommodation wisely. Explore a wide range of budget-friendly options from dorms, hostels, shared rooms, etc. 

​Why Do You Need Travel Insurance for Europe?

To visit many of the affordable European countries listed above, you need a Schengen visa to enter and explore without any hassle. Other non-Schengen countries like Montenegro and Albania also require a visa when travelling from India

To apply for and obtain a Schengen visa, you must meet the mandatory document requirements. One such document is travel insurance for a Schengen visa. No visa application is accepted and approved without this integral document. 

However, other than visa requirements, travel insurance also acts as a financial safety net to extend maximum support in times of unforeseen circumstances that can significantly impact your international trip and finances.

Reliance General Insurance offers extensive travel insurance plans to provide maximum support for unexpected situations. The diverse coverages under these policies include flight delays or cancellations, trip interruptions, medical emergencies, and loss or damage to personal belongings.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can you help with some budget-friendly accommodations for European countries?

   Most European countries offer various budget-friendly accommodation options like guesthouses, shared rooms, hostels, rooms in apartments, etc. Moreover, you can also choose cheaper hotels that might be located a little further away from the main city but are extremely affordable.

   2. Does Estonia have any affordable travel card options?

      Estonia's different public transport travel card options include the Tallinn Card and the Public Transport Card called Uhiskaart. However, public transport buses, ferries and trains are also very affordable. 

   What are some popular festivals or events in Greece, and when do they take place?

   Some of the upcoming festivals in Greece include the Ejekt Festival in July, the Helmos Mountain Festival in June, Corfu’s Carnival in March and the Aegina Fistiki Festival in September.

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