Travel Tips

Cheapest European countries to visit: 5 low-cost vacations

Travel Europe on a budget! Discover the most affordable European countries, such as Poland, Croatia, and Romania. Perfect for US explorers seeking low-cost adventures.

Breaking the bank to see Paris, London, or Rome isn’t the only way to explore Europe. There are plenty of hidden gems across the continent that offer an unforgettable experience at a fraction of the cost. Whether you’re seeking pristine beaches, historic buildings, bustling town squares, or cobbled streets, these destinations cater to budget travelers looking for great experiences without hefty price tags.

Below, we identify five of the cheapest European countries to visit in 2025, perfect for US tourists seeking low daily costs without sacrificing memorable experiences.

Breaking down each with an average daily cost – including meals, local transport, and accommodation – and budget-friendly activities, here are five popular destinations that provide unbeatable value.

In this article

Czech Republic

Best for: Avoiding the crowds and tourist prices

Prague Old Town is full of history and free to explore! Source: Canva

The Czech Republic is famous for its rich history, medieval architecture, lively beer culture, and stunning countryside. It boasts famous landmarks and charming UNESCO heritage-listed towns like Český Krumlov or Kutná Hora. Generally considered two of the cheapest European cities, and less expensive options to Prague, these towns can offer travelers fewer crowds, affordable dining, cheap accommodation, and more compact layouts for exploring.

With easy-to-navigate public transport, rich and well-portioned meals costing as little as $6-10, and affordable intercity travel via buses like FlixBus, the Czech Republic is a top choice for budget-savvy travelers.

Average daily cost: $50-$70
Return flight: $450-1,000+, depending on dates and departure destinations
Low-cost activities:
- Prague Castle: Tour one of Europe’s largest castles for just $14
- Charles Bridge and Old Town: Free to explore, with endless photo opportunities
- Beer tasting in local breweries: Starting from $2 per pint

Money-saving tip: Booking in advance with Czech Railways (České dráhy) can save you up to 50%, and bus companies like RegioJet or FlixBus also offer cheaper fares for early bookings. Look out for special deals like youth, student, or group discounts for even more savings.

Lithuania

Best for: A budget-savvy cultural experience

Visit Trakai Island Castle, Lithuania, from $6-13. Source: Canva

If you’re wondering, “What European country is the least expensive to visit?” Lithuania is a top contender, offering incredible value for its cultural richness and natural beauty.

Lithuania, a hidden gem among Eastern European countries, offers amazing cultural experiences at excellent prices. Vilnius, the country’s capital, is one of the cheapest cities in Europe to visit, blending historical buildings with vibrant cafes and restaurants.

Average daily cost: $40-$70
Return flight: $600 – $1200 depending on your departure city and booking time
Low-cost activities:
- Vilnius Old Town: A UNESCO World Heritage Site that is free to explore
- Trakai Island Castle: An island fortress with entry for just $8
- Hill of Crosses: A unique spiritual site that is free to visit

Money-saving tip: Visit local eateries like Senoji Trobelė and Šnekutis and order a plate of cepelinai (potato dumplings). At only $5 a portion, this budget food is a great way to indulge in Lithuania’s delicious cuisine on a budget.

Croatia

Best for: Stunning coastlines without the price tag

Access to the historic and awe-inspiring Fort Lovrijenac in Dubrovnik, Croatia, costs as little as $16. Source: Canva

Croatia combines breathtaking Adriatic beaches, historic cities, and affordable travel. From the fame of Dubrovnik’s Game of Thrones setting to the serene Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia stands out as a budget-friendly European hotspot for coastal getaways. It offers the same fresh seafood, picturesque coastlines, gorgeous city centers, and breathtaking scenery as Spain or Italy—but for significantly less

Visiting during the shoulder seasons (Spring and Fall) also make Croatia a more accessible vacation spot for travelers, with reduced accommodation costs and fewer crowds.

Average daily cost: $50-$80
Return flight: $600 – $1400, with prices varying depending on time of year and departure city
Low-cost activities:
- Plitvice Lakes National Park: Entry costs start at $12 during the off-peak months.
- Dubrovnik City Walls: Explore these historic stone fortifications encircling the old city of Dubrovnik for just $10.
- Beaches in Split: Free to access, with budget-friendly beach bars and street food for travelers to enjoy by the water.

Money-saving tip: Save on flights to Croatia by flying into major European hubs (e.g., London, Frankfurt, Amsterdam) and connecting via Croatia Airlines, which offers budget-friendly routes to Croatian cities like Zagreb, Split, or Dubrovnik. Flexible travel dates can also help lower costs.

Romania

Best for: Experiencing Europe’s Medieval magic for less

Visit the majestic and haunting Bran Castle in Transylvania, Romania, for just $15 and learn about the building’s infamous history. Source: Canva

Romania’s majestic castles, Carpathian Mountains, and fascinating folklore offer a fairytale-like experience — all at a fraction of the cost of Western European destinations.

To put things into perspective, the average daily cost of exploring some of the more popular cities, such as Paris or Amsterdam, can often top $130 per day. For nearly half of that cost, you can experience just as much wonder in Romania. This means you can stretch your budget to enjoy a weekend break in Romania for the price of just one day in those pricier cities, undoubtedly making Romania one of the cheapest European countries to visit.

Whether you’re wandering through the legendary region of Transylvania, uncovering the vibrant charm of Bucharest, or exploring medieval castles that inspired Dracula’s tale, it’s worth considering Romania for an unforgettable travel experience—without draining your wallet.

Average daily cost: $30-$70
Return flight: $600 – $1300 depending on if you fly on off-peak or peak-season
Low-cost activities:
- Bran Castle: Visit the infamous Castle of Dracula for only $10.
- Sibiu & Brașov: Explore these medieval towns at no cost.
- Carpathian Mountains: Hike the stunning trails for free.

Money-saving tip: Learn Romania’s rich history affordably by visiting museums on their free days. The National Museum of Art of Romania offers free entry on the first Wednesday of every month. Walking tours, such as Walkabout Free Tours in Bucharest, also provide an insightful and cost-effective way to discover Romania’s history.

Poland

Best for: History and culture on a budget

Poland is home to many traditional markets, each offering a great selection of cheap food and drinks. Source: Canva

Poland is a cultural gem for budget travelers and another of the more inexpensive European countries. It has a rich history, unforgettable landscapes, and incredible views. The country also has excellent public transport, affordable meals, and a favorable exchange rate for US visitors.

Popular events, such as Kraków’s Christmas markets, are at lower prices than Poland’s European neighbors, make it a standout destination and a memorable holiday experience.

Average daily cost: $40-$75
Return flight: $650 – $1400 depending on departure destinations and time of year
Low-cost activities:
- Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial: Free entry, with guided tours starting at $25
- Wawel Castle (Kraków): Tickets to the castle start from only $6
- Zakopane Hiking: Free access to breathtaking mountain trails – perfect for taking photos and capturing memories

Money-saving tip: Enjoy traditional Polish dishes like pierogi at bar mleczny (milk bars), where meals cost between $5 and $7 —an extremely affordable way to experience Polish flavors. These subsidized eateries serve hearty local fare and are popular with locals and visitors. For authentic experiences, try Bar Bambino or Bar Prasowy in Warsaw.

Tips to save money in Europe

Exploring Europe doesn’t have to break the bank. With a little bit of planning, you can make the most of your trip while staying within budget. Here are some top tips to save money while traveling across the continent:

Buy mid-week flights: Prices tend to be lower for travel on Tuesday or Wednesday. For example, flying into Zagreb, Croatia is often cheaper mid-week than at the weekend. Being flexible with your travel dates can help unlock even better deals.
Get a rail pass: A Eurail pass for non-EU residents is a cost-effective option for long-term travel across multiple countries. In contrast, regional rail passes offer savings for specific destinations. Booking tickets in advance can also cut costs on single journeys—routes like Kraków to Warsaw, for instance, tend to be cheaper when booked early.
Shop at local supermarkets: Save on meals by picking up ready-to-eat items or regional specialties from supermarkets, bakeries, and delis. In Romania, for example, you can try local staples like cozonac (sweet bread) or fresh cheese from supermarkets like Carrefour or Lidl at a fraction of restaurant prices.
Visit a free beach: Many stunning European beaches are free to access, allowing you to enjoy the coastline without paying for private or resort entry. In Croatia, Bačvice Beach in Split offers crystal-clear Adriatic waters without the extra cost—just bring your own towel, snacks, and drinks to keep expenses down.

By making simple and strategic choices, you can experience the beauty of Europe without overspending!

Stay connected during your European getaway with Holafly

These five cheapest European countries to visit provide a great opportunity to unearth Europe’s culinary, cultural, and natural wonders in a budget-friendly way that’s accessible to all types of travelers.

And there’s one more way to save money while on your European trip. Holafly’s Europe eSIM offers travelers a simple, cost-effective way to stay connected as you travel. With Holafly’s Europe eSIM, you’ll enjoy unlimited data across 40+ European destinations, making it easy to navigate, stay social, and upload travel snaps without worrying about extra charges.

Its standout features include sharing up to 1 GB of hotspot data, customizable plans from 1-90 days with decreasing daily costs for longer trips, and 24/7 customer support to assist you wherever your travels take you.

Another major perk? The setup is refreshingly simple—you can install the eSIM in just a few minutes, and you’re ready to connect immediately.

Choose Holafly’s Europe eSIM for a reliable, budget-friendly internet solution and make your European vacation unforgettable and stress-free.

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