10 Cities for Visiting Europe on a budget
Dreaming of Europe but worried about the cost? Unlock the secret on how to travel Europe on a budget by exploring stunning, affordable cities like Istanbul, Seville, and Budapest. Your European adventure awaits!
EUROPE
Dreaming of a European adventure but worried your wallet isn't up to the task? The secret to an unforgettable, affordable trip lies not in skipping experiences, but in choosing the right destinations. This guide unlocks how to travel Europe on a budget by highlighting 10 incredible cities where your money goes further. From the historic charm of Zagreb and the vibrant energy of Seville to the breathtaking crossroads of Istanbul and the thermal baths of Budapest, these destinations offer rich culture, delicious cuisine, and iconic sights without the iconic price tag. Get ready to explore the continent's best-kept secrets and prove that a legendary European journey is more accessible than you think.
Seville, Spain
This Spanish city is known around the world for its culture and traditions. Plus, it is the birthplace of Flamenco dancing! You will find plenty of historic buildings to explore, including churches and palaces.
Seville can easily be navigated on foot, for the most part, making your travel around the city extremely affordable. December and January are the cheapest months to visit Seville, but Christmas can be a busy time for tourists in the city. If you plan around the holidays, you should be able to avoid the peaks.
Summer weather in this part of Spain can be scorching, which makes the cooler winter months a great time to visit. January is generally the coldest month of the year, but the temps are still around 50 degrees Fahrenheit — not exactly freezing!
Where to stay in Seville?
The Hotel Patio de las Cruces is located in Old Town Seville and is within walking distance from the cathedral. WiFi is included in your room price, which starts at $42 USD per night.
Five things to do in Seville:
Florence, Italy
Florence has some of the most awe-inspiring sights for your eyes in the form of religious architecture. There is so much history in this charming Italian city that you could easily spend your entire trip just soaking it all in. Obviously, Italy is not the first country you think of when figuring out how to travel Europe on a budget, but it is a doable destination if you are good with your timing.
November through March is considered the low season for the city, so visiting in winter can make seeing the sights easier because you won’t be battling the larger summertime crowds.
Expect the winter weather to be on the cooler side with highs in the mid-50s F. You probably won’t need to pack a thick winter coat, but you will definitely want to dress in layers that can be added or subtracted as needed. Rain gear is also a good idea, like this easily packable raincoat.
Where to stay in Florence?
Consider booking your trip at the Sette Angeli Rooms, which are located in the thick of it all. The rooms are plenty spacious, and breakfast is included for a starting nightly rate of $94.
Five things to do in Florence:
Tip: Those wanting to see all of the museums in Florence may want to consider the Firenze Card. For one price, you will gain access to 80 different museums and other sights. If your trip is short, however, you may be biting off more than you can chew, as you would be hard-pressed to hit them all in just a few days.
Riga, Latvia
This Latvian city is often called one of “Europe’s best-kept secrets.” You will find the multicultural heritage of Riga present in the architecture and cuisine. There are plenty of museums to explore, and the Old Town of Riga is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
January is the cheapest month to catch a flight from the U.S. to Riga, but November typically has the lowest hotel prices.
Winter in Riga is going to be pretty chilly, and you are likely to see a bit of snow during your trip. Pack your warm clothes and plenty of layers because the average temperatures aren't going to get too far out of the 30s F. However, the wintry weather and snow-peaked roofs only add to the fairytale atmosphere.
Where to stay in Riga?
If you don’t mind staying in a hostel and sharing a bathroom, you can snag a bed in the Hostel Tree House for less than $50 per night. It is one of the best-selling properties in Riga, and it is in close proximity to many attractions. Tree House offers free WiFi, has bicycle rentals, and also has a kitchen space for preparing a few meals—another excellent way to save money.
5 things to do in Riga:
Istanbul, Turkey
Spring is a great time to go to Istanbul, as the sweltering heat of summer hasn’t started yet, making your sightseeing much more enjoyable. Plus, things are more affordable before peak season. The crowds also tend to be thinner this time of year as well.
If you plan your trip for the very end of March, creeping on into April, you can enjoy the International Tulip Festival, which takes place in the city. Although keep in mind, staying for the festival may affect crowd sizes and accommodation prices. The absolute cheapest month to visit Istanbul is November, but the weather won't be as accommodating, nor will the Tulips be in bloom!
You will want to pack some layers for a Spring visit to Istanbul, as the average daily temperature is somewhere around 46ºF. Rainfall is expected 13 days out of the month.
Where to stay in Istanbul?
If you are looking for accommodations that are a little offbeat and quirky, this apartment, bookable through Airbnb, may pique your interest. It has two bedrooms and 1.5 baths, but one of the bedrooms is hidden beneath a trap door in the kitchen! Rates start at $55 per night, and there is a discount for long-term stays.
For those who want the convenience of a hotel, Adelmar Hotel Istanbul Sisli is a solid choice. Breakfast is included with your room rate, and you will be within walking distance of many attractions.
5 things to do in Istanbul:
Mykonos, Greece
November through March are the cheapest months to visit Mykonos. However, during the winter, many of the businesses on the island close up shop due to a lack of tourists. By mid-March or so, you should find a good portion of them reopening for the season, but Mykonos won’t yet be swarmed with visitors. You may not find everything open and waiting for your arrival, but it is worth the trade-off to beat the crowds.
Winter months temperatures hover in the mid-50s F, but the average March day will be around 60ºF and blissfully sunny. The rains are starting to let up as Spring approaches, making it a great time for exploring the island.
Where to stay in Mykonos?
Budget-friendly accommodations can be found at Studio Eleni, which is located right in the center of town. You will be within walking distance of places to eat and drink while staying in this traditional-style townhouse. It is a little barebones, but you can snag a room for as little as $60 per night.
5 things to do in Mykonos:
Tallinn, Estonia
The cheapest months to visit Tallinn include January, February, and November. They are also on the colder end of the spectrum. To strike a good bargain between price and weather, consider visiting Estonia in April.
In April, there may still be a bit of snow on the ground, but the temperatures are definitely starting to rise. This is the second busiest time of year as far as tourism goes, but it is considerably less busy than in the summer months. It will give you a good balance of crowd size to available things to do.
You will still want to pack your cozy sweaters and stuff a knit hat in your suitcase because the average temperature in April is only in the high 40s F. Tallinn sees about seven days' worth of rain in April, so packing your umbrella isn’t quite as necessary but still a good idea.
Where to stay in Tallinn?
You’ll feel like you are living in a fairy tale when you stay at the Meriton Old Town Garden Hotel. This property is located in a historic building nestled amid Lai and Pikk streets in Old Town Tallinn. There is an inner courtyard where you can enjoy some fresh air, and each of the rooms is individually decorated. Prices start at $55.
5 things to do in Tallinn:
Kraków, Poland
Early February will give you the cheapest visit to Krakow, but Easter is still a rather affordable time. The city is magical with the colorful painted Easter eggs all around. The Krakow Easter market is another big draw for visitors. Crowds will be a bit larger during the holiday celebrations, and accommodations may see a little spike in prices.
In February, the weather will still be wintery with highs of 37°F, and rain is likely 6 days of the month. Things warm up as the months go on, with April hitting temperatures in the high 50s F.
Where to stay in Krakow?
Booking a room at Aparthotel Delta Boutique starts around $61 per night, which is a good value! You’ll be a short drive from the main market square and other popular attractions.
Note: this property is a guesthouse with an e-reception check-in process.
5 things to do in Krakow:
Zagreb, Croatia
This capital city of Croatia is often forgotten when planning a European vacation, but it shouldn’t be overlooked. Many call it a hidden gem, but this bustling city full of glorious architecture and a thriving foodie scene isn’t exactly hidden.
November through March are the cheapest months to visit Zagreb, but April and May are also fairly budget-friendly options with milder weather.
Winter months see temperatures in the 40s F, but April and May in Zagreb are known for warm afternoons and mild evenings. The average high is 72ºF, and the average low is 55ºF. January and February statistically have fewer rainy days, however.
Where to stay in Zagreb?
You can book a bright little studio apartment that sleeps three on Airbnb. Rates start at $70 per night, and the reviews call the place “sparkling clean.” It overlooks a park near Jarun Lake, and there is a tram station within walking distance. It is on the third floor and has a small balcony.
5 things to do in Zagreb:
Budapest, Hungary
Your cheapest time to visit Budapest is mid-January, but you will see some chilly winter days at that time of year. March is still considered the off-season for Budapest, which means you can usually make your travel arrangements with an eye to savings, but you aren't likely to see temperatures drop down into the 20s F.
The crowds aren’t pouring in yet in March, which also means you don’t have to waste as much time standing in line to see your bucket list of attractions.
The chance of rainy days is basically the same between January and March, but January temperatures range between 29 and 38 degrees F, while March temperatures are 38 to 53 degrees F. If you are willing to pay slightly more, you could hold out for May when temps reach the low 70s F.
Where to stay in Budapest?
The Ibis Styles Budapest Center gives you easy access to the historic district and an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet, and rooms start at just $90 per night. Ibis offers an airport shuttle, off-site parking, and bicycle rental.
5 things to do in Budapest:
Bucharest, Romania
The cheapest months for a visit include January, February, and November.
June is when the touristy season starts in Bucharest, but if you plan your trip for late May, you should be able to avoid the crush and find that everything is open and bustling with locals out enjoying the first touch of summer. It won't be as cheap as the off-season, but it is a good mix of budget-friendly and enjoyable weather/activities.
Days will be quite warm in May with temps reaching into the low 80s F, and there are roughly eight days of rain in the month of May.
Where to stay in Bucharest?
The Matisse Bucharest Old Town is in the thick of it. You will be within walking distance of many cultural sites, restaurants, and a metro station. Rates start at $120-ish per night, and you get a private bathroom and WiFi.
5 things to do in Bucharest:
10 Budget-Friendly European Cities Await!
Your unforgettable European adventure, rich in culture and charm, doesn't have to come with a staggering price tag. By choosing one of these incredible budget-friendly cities—from the sun-drenched streets of Seville to the bustling bazaars of Istanbul—you've taken the first step toward making your travel dreams a reality.
So start planning your itinerary, pack your bags, and get ready to prove that the very best of Europe is waiting for you. Where will your budget-friendly journey begin?
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