City breaks can be one of the most effective ways to tap into a country’s culture. Whether it’s a whirlwind weekend or a fortnight of getting to know a new neighbourhood, city breaks offer a full-bodied, in-at-the-deep-end immersion that beach resorts and remote country hotels seldom can. Europe is jam-packed with incredible places. And while there are a lot of pricey cities to visit, there are some budget-friendly cities as well. For a moment, let’s forget about the popular cities of London and Paris, and instead look to Europe’s lesser-known hidden gems. Here are the 16 cheapest cities in Europe to visit in 2023.
The second-largest city in Poland and one of the least expensive in all of Europe is Kraków. Despite being comparable to Prague’s historic splendor, it is less crowded. This is one of the least expensive places to travel in Europe because there are so many inexpensive hostels here. The largest historic square in Europe is located in the city’s Main Market Square, or “Rynek Gówny.” A totally imperfect basilica and colorful buildings are passed by horse-drawn carriages in this location. You won’t need to pay for public transit since Kraków remains a city that is easily navigated on foot.
Only a few hours south of Prague, Ceský Krumlov resembles something out of a dream with its colorful architecture and perfectly restored Old Town. There are so many historically significant structures in this town that they stand out among other Central European cities. The city has preserved its medieval street design along with hundreds of years’ worth of exquisite additions. While numerous conflicts had decimated the neighboring cities, kingdoms, and empires, this village had decades of peace and quiet, which helped to preserve its unique flavor and history.
There is always plenty to do in Belgrade because to the city’s vibrant nightlife and rich history. The fact that Belgrade is situated where the Sava and Danube rivers meet is among the city’s most distinctive features. This offers not only stunning views of the water but also a wide range of water-based activities, such as river cruises and boat trips. Belgrade is renowned for its outstanding cuisine and beverages. There are many options available at reasonable pricing, whether you want to sample traditional Serbian food or simply have a drink at a neighborhood bar.
Athens, the capital of both ancient and contemporary Greece, is the center of some of the oldest temples, sculptures, and structures in the world. You can go to the Agora, the Temple of Zeus, and the Acropolis. The Parthenon, Temple of Athena Nike, and Erechtheion are just a few of the historically noteworthy structures that are located on the Acropolis, an old citadel perched atop a stone outcrop. The Panathenaic Stadium, which served as the major venue for the Olympic Games in 1896 and 2004 is another landmark of the city. Even with such stunning landmarks, this is one of the cheapest cities in Europe to visit.
Ljubljana is a picturesque city that offers excellent value for your money and is the capital of one of the most affordable European nations. A medley of cultural landmarks may be found in Ljubljana. The Triple Bridge (Tromostovje) in the Old Town, Ljubljana Castle, and Ljubljana Cathedral are three of the most notable. Ljubljana is well-known for its hip eateries and coffee shops in addition to its environmental and cultural efforts.
Poland’s capital, Warsaw, is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets for cheap cities. This dynamic city offers a wealth of free and inexpensive activities as well as history and culture. The rich history and varied culture of Warsaw are just a couple of the factors that make it so unique. There is always plenty of fresh and fascinating to discover in Warsaw, from the magnificent ancient castles to the vibrant, contemporary architecture. The city also offers a variety of affordable dining options, including both traditional Polish fare and flavors from around the world.
At an incredible price, Sevilla provides all the benefits of a big city with a vibrant culture. Sevilla is one of the largest cities in Spain and among the cheapest European cities to visit. There are several historical and cultural landmarks in Sevilla. The Real Alcázar of Seville, a royal palace that blends Islamic, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architectural styles, protrudes from this smorgasbord of culturally significant sites. Sevilla is renowned for having one of Europe’s most stunning squares, Plaza de Espana.
At the moment, Sofia is among the most underappreciated travel destinations in Europe. The history of the Bulgarian capital spans more than 2,000 years. The Greeks were Sofia’s first colonizers, followed by the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires. More recently, the Soviet Union ruled the city for the majority of the last century. Another cultural treasure is the Banya Bashi Mosque, which was completed under Ottoman authority in the mid-1500s. This mosque is a reminder of Bulgaria’s five-century occupation by the Ottomans.
Bologna, which is nestled away between Florence and Venice, is one of Italy’s lesser-known beauties. Bologna is well-known for its historical buildings with Renaissance influences, bustling piazzas, and gritty Old-World character. In addition, the institution of Bologna, which was established in 1088, is the oldest institution in Europe. The Piazza Maggiore and Basilica di San Petronio, both from the Italian Renaissance period, are popular attractions in Bologna. The Asinelli structure, the tallest leaning structure in Italy, can be found in Bologna.
In Slovakia, Bratislava is a must-visit city. Even though Vienna, maybe the hottest and most habitable city in central Europe, is barely an hour away by train, it has somehow avoided the masses thus far. There is a lot to see in Bratislava, from bright buildings that look like they were plucked from a fairy tale to gloomy structures that evoke the Communist era in Slovakia. An excellent site to start your stroll through the capital of Slovakia is the Old Town. If you look up, you’ll probably notice the Bratislava Castle, located high above the city and providing amazing panoramas of the Old Town below.
The majority of German cities don’t qualify as being “cheap.” Dresden, a significant German city, is the only one with affordable pricing and a wealth of amenities. It’s renowned for its traditional architecture, top-notch galleries and museums, and picturesque location along the Elbe River. Dresden is a cultural and natural hotspot. The numerous baroque structures and palaces are a stunning exhibition of art and architecture. One of the finest specimens of German baroque architecture is Zwinger, a palace-turned-museum constructed in the early 1700s.
Croatia’s Split is a beautiful and authentic city that is situated along the Adriatic Sea. Despite having a remarkable personality all its own, it is frequently eclipsed by Dubrovnik, its southern neighbor. Within the former regal walls, much of the city is located. Diocletian’s Palace is a complex with more than 200 buildings that have been kept amazingly well. The walls are made of white stone, which exudes a mysterious aura and transports you to an earlier time. Don’t forget to see Split’s Saint Domnius Cathedral and Riva, the seafront promenade.
Despite its diminutive size, Tallinn is a powerful city in the Baltic region thanks to its extensive cultural heritage. Tallinn is referred to as “the Silicon Valley of Europe” by many due to its low costs and significant variety. It’s also a terrific starting point for your adventure in the realm of cheap travel in Europe. St. Mary’s Cathedral, St. Nicholas’ Church, the Gothic Town Hall, and Toompea Castle are just a few of the famous sites that go back to the 13th century. These wonders are in the Old Town of Tallinn, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Even though it isn’t particularly high-tech, Bucharest is one of Europe’s most modern cities. A stark image of the city’s recent history is painted by the late 20th century’s communist-era structures that line many of its streets. The most notable reminder of this is the “Palace of Parliament,” or Palatul Parlamentului. The Romanian Athenaeum, the Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum, and King Michael I Park are among the city’s other notable attractions.
In the center of central Europe, in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, you’ll find a vibrant and culturally diverse city. Numerous strong empires have affected it, including the Holy Roman Empire, Austria-Hungary, and Bohemia. The Old Town Square is what Prague is best known for. Baroque structures, vibrant cathedrals, and the oldest astronomical clock in the world can all be found here. The Charles Bridge, a Gothic stone bridge built in the 14th century and between the Old Town with the Lesser Town, is just a short distance away.
Croatia’s main draw is its seaside resort towns, therefore Zagreb, which is located far inland, is typically solely a brief pit stop for travelers. Zagreb is still reasonably priced by European standards, especially when compared to Italy, which is right next door. It is well worth stopping in Zagreb en route to one of the beach resorts or the neighboring Plitvice National Park.
Those are our 15 cheapest cities in Europe to visit. If you plan to visit any one of these, be sure to do a thorough research and pack with planning. Safe travels!
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