12 Cheap European Trips for 2025 – Budget-Friendly Guide

Discover 12 cheap European destinations for 2025. Plan your trip with daily costs, top sights, 3-day itineraries & money-saving tips for every traveler.

May 31, 2025 - 15:36 Updated: Jun 9, 2025 - 08:50

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12 Cheap European Trips for 2025 – Budget-Friendly Guide

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In 2025, smart travelers are proving that you don’t need a huge budget to enjoy Europe’s culture, food, and history. Whether you're a solo backpacker, a student, or a family on a budget, these 12 European cities offer excellent value—with daily expenses often under €60. This guide gives you descriptions, cost breakdowns, hidden gems, and practical tips for each city.

1. Budapest, Hungary

A city of grand architecture and relaxing baths, Budapest is split by the Danube into hilly Buda and flat Pest. Famous for its Art Nouveau buildings, dramatic history, and scenic river views, it blends old-world charm with buzzing nightlife.

Average Daily Cost: €45 ($49 / ~17,500 HUF)
Accommodation: Hostels from €12, budget hotels from €25/night
Top Sights: Széchenyi Baths, Buda Castle, Danube views
Local Tip: Try the ruin bars for cheap drinks in quirky spaces

Budget Tips:

Use a 24-hour public transport pass (€5)
Eat goulash at "étkezde" lunch spots
Walk across Chain Bridge and explore Fisherman’s Bastion (free)

3-Day Itinerary:

Day 1: Parliament tour and Danube cruise (€10)
Day 2: Széchenyi Baths and Heroes' Square
Day 3: Ruin bars, Central Market Hall, and thermal foot soak

2. Krakow, Poland

Poland’s cultural capital, Krakow is known for its preserved medieval core, cobbled streets, and rich Jewish heritage. With a vibrant student scene and low costs, it offers deep history alongside modern cafes and art.

Average Daily Cost: €40 ($44 / ~175 PLN)
Accommodation: Hostels from €10, apartments from €20
Top Sights: Wawel Castle, Kazimierz, Main Square

Budget Tips:

Dine at Milk Bars (meals from €3)
Free walking tours daily
Use Uber or Bolt for cheaper short rides

3-Day Itinerary:

Day 1: Wawel Hill and river walk
Day 2: Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial (€5–€10 guided tour)
Day 3: Jewish Quarter, street food, and museums

3. Lisbon, Portugal

A city of hills, trams, and ocean views, Lisbon is Portugal’s coastal capital with sunny weather, colorful neighborhoods, and soulful Fado music. Its laid-back vibe and tiled buildings make it a favorite among budget travelers.

Average Daily Cost: €55 ($60)
Accommodation: Hostels from €15, Airbnb from €30
Top Sights: Alfama, Belem Tower, Tram 28

Budget Tips:

Buy the 24-hour metro/tram pass (~€6.80)
Try bacalhau and pastéis de nata at local tascas
Museums are free on Sundays

3-Day Itinerary:

Day 1: Tram 28, Miradouro views, and Alfama walk
Day 2: Jerónimos Monastery, Belem pastries
Day 3: LX Factory and sunset at Cristo Rei (free)

4. Sofia, Bulgaria

Europe’s underrated gem, Sofia mixes Soviet history with Roman ruins and mountain backdrops. It’s a walkable city with a youthful energy, budget food, and proximity to natural escapes.

Average Daily Cost: €35 ($38 / ~70 BGN)
Accommodation: Dorms from €10, hotels from €22
Top Sights: Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Vitosha Mountain

Budget Tips:

Banitsa (cheese pastry) for less than €1
Public transport ticket: ~€0.80
Visit Boyana Church: €5 entry

3-Day Itinerary:

Day 1: Old town and Vitosha Boulevard
Day 2: Hike Vitosha or take cable car
Day 3: Museums and Borisova Garden

5. Valencia, Spain

A sunny Mediterranean city, Valencia is famous for its blend of futuristic buildings, historic old town, and paella. It’s less touristy than Barcelona and perfect for beach lovers.

Average Daily Cost: €55 ($60)
Accommodation: Hostels from €15, hotels from €30
Top Sights: City of Arts & Sciences, Turia Gardens

Budget Tips:

Rent a bike (€6/day)
Eat paella at local markets (€5–€8)
Beach access is free

3-Day Itinerary:

Day 1: Bike ride through Turia Park
Day 2: Day at Malvarrosa Beach
Day 3: Science Museum visit & explore Central Market

6. Lviv, Ukraine (if safe to travel)

The “Little Paris” of Ukraine, Lviv is a charming city of cobbled streets, art cafés, and coffee culture. Its Austro-Hungarian architecture and cozy atmosphere attract budget travelers.

Average Daily Cost: €30 ($33 / ~1400 UAH)
Accommodation: Hostels from €7, hotels from €15
Top Sights: Opera House, Rynok Square, Coffee Museum

Budget Tips:

Cafés offer free Wi-Fi and coffee from €1
Many parks and viewpoints are free
Try local chocolate shops

3-Day Itinerary:

Day 1: Old Town and High Castle hill
Day 2: Museums and themed cafés
Day 3: Stryiskyi Park and crafts market

7. Tirana, Albania

A quirky and colorful Balkan capital, Tirana is full of painted buildings, museums, and street art. With access to beaches and mountains, it’s a rising favorite for offbeat explorers.

Average Daily Cost: €30 ($33 / ~3,000 ALL)
Accommodation: Dorms from €10, guesthouses from €18
Top Sights: Skanderbeg Square, Mount Dajti cable car

Budget Tips:

Street food meals under €3
Day trips to Durrës or Krujë via minibus (€2–€5)
Museums are low-cost or free

3-Day Itinerary:

Day 1: Museums and Pyramid of Tirana
Day 2: Cable car to Dajti Mountain (€6)
Day 3: Day trip to Krujë Castle

8. Prague, Czech Republic

One of Europe’s most magical cities, Prague offers fairy-tale castles, historic bridges, and Gothic churches. It's famous for being walkable, picturesque, and affordable.

Average Daily Cost: €50 ($55 / ~1250 CZK)
Accommodation: Hostels from €14, hotels from €25
Top Sights: Prague Castle, Old Town Square, Charles Bridge

Budget Tips:

Public transport pass: €4/day
Bakery lunch sets under €4
Free viewpoints: Letná and Vyšehrad

3-Day Itinerary:

Day 1: Castle and Petrin Tower
Day 2: Astronomical Clock and walking tour
Day 3: River boat cruise (€10)

Prefer train travel?
See the best European cities to visit by train from London for more great routes that are scenic, budget-friendly, and perfect for short getaways in 2025. Whether you're planning a solo escape or a family trip, these train-accessible destinations make travel from the UK both easy and affordable.

9. Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina

A city where East meets West, Sarajevo blends Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Yugoslav influences. Its scenic hills, mosques, and resilience after war make it one of Europe’s most moving, budget-friendly destinations.

Average Daily Cost: €35 ($38)
Accommodation: Dorms from €8, hotels from €20
Top Sights: Bascarsija (old bazaar), Latin Bridge

Budget Tips:

Cevapi and pita meals under €4
Tram rides for €0.60
Local museums €2–€4

3-Day Itinerary:

Day 1: Ottoman quarter and mosques
Day 2: War Tunnel Museum
Day 3: Day trip to Mostar (€10–15 bus)

10. Riga, Latvia

The Art Nouveau capital of Europe, Riga stands out with its grand facades, lively markets, and Baltic Sea access. It’s a perfect mix of affordability, beach escapes, and digital nomad comfort.

Average Daily Cost: €40 ($44)
Accommodation: Dorms from €11, guesthouses from €22
Top Sights: Art Nouveau district, Jurmala beach

Budget Tips:

Free Old Town tours daily
Public buses to beach: ~€2
Local food (grey peas, rye bread) from €3–5

3-Day Itinerary:

Day 1: Central Market and Old Town
Day 2: Art Museum and Freedom Monument
Day 3: Day trip to Jurmala Beach

11. Athens, Greece

The cradle of Western civilization, Athens is rich in ancient history and sun-soaked ruins. While it draws crowds for the Acropolis, the local neighborhoods and island day trips offer great value.

Average Daily Cost: €55 ($60)
Accommodation: Dorms from €14, hotels from €30
Top Sights: Acropolis, Ancient Agora, Plaka

Budget Tips:

Athens combo pass: €30 for 7 sites
Street food: Gyros under €3
Ferries to nearby islands from €10

3-Day Itinerary:

Day 1: Acropolis and museums
Day 2: Monastiraki, street art, and flea markets
Day 3: Ferry to Aegina Island

12. Bratislava, Slovakia

A compact capital with charm, Bratislava sits on the Danube near the Austrian border. With its hilltop castle, colorful old town, and cheap access to Vienna, it’s a great base for Central European travel.

Average Daily Cost: €45 ($49)
Accommodation: Hostels from €12, hotels from €25
Top Sights: Bratislava Castle, UFO Bridge

Budget Tips:

Day trip to Vienna by FlixBus (~€8)
Many museums free on first Sunday
Student discounts widely accepted

3-Day Itinerary:

Day 1: Castle and Old Town
Day 2: Blue Church and memorials
Day 3: Devin Castle boat trip (€10)

Bonus Travel Tips to Save in 2025

Book in advance using Google Flights and Hopper
Use budget airlines: Ryanair, Wizz Air, Vueling
Travel with FlixBus or BlaBlaCar
Use city passes for free public transport and museums
Eat at local markets, bakeries, or student cafeterias
Bring a refillable water bottle and travel towel

Best Months to Travel Cheaply

January–February: Lowest prices, cold but crowd-free
April–May: Spring charm, lower flight costs
September–October: Mild weather, budget-friendly stays

Final Thoughts

You don’t need a huge bank account to explore Europe. These 12 cities are proof that unforgettable travel experiences can still be affordable in 2025. Each destination offers something unique—whether it’s ancient ruins in Athens, scenic river cruises in Budapest, or beachside relaxation in Valencia. By choosing off-peak seasons, using public transport, and embracing local culture, you can create a rich and meaningful journey across Europe without overspending. Let these cities inspire your next great adventure—full of culture, food, and stories you’ll treasure forever.