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: May 31, 2025 - 15:41

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12 Cheap European Trips for 2025 – Budget-Friendly Guide

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Traveling in Europe can be cheap if you plan smartly. In 2025, many people are looking for holidays that don’t cost too much. The good news? There are still many cities where you can enjoy food, sights, and fun on a low budget.

Whether you are a student, family, or solo traveler, this guide will help you explore Europe without spending a lot of money.

1. Budapest, Hungary

Average Daily Cost: €45 ($49)
Top Sights: Thermal baths, Buda Castle, Danube River
Budget Tips:
- Use trams and buses
- Stay in hostels or guesthouses
- Try goulash soup at local eateries
3-Day Idea:
- Day 1: Walk near the Parliament, Danube river cruise (€10)
- Day 2: Visit Széchenyi Bath
- Day 3: Explore ruin bars and old town

2. Krakow, Poland

Average Daily Cost: €40 ($44)
Top Sights: Wawel Castle, Main Square, Jewish Quarter
Budget Tips:
- Eat at milk bars (cheap Polish food)
- Free walking tours daily
3-Day Idea:
- Day 1: Wawel Hill and river
- Day 2: Auschwitz day trip
- Day 3: Kazimierz district

3. Lisbon, Portugal

Average Daily Cost: €55 ($60)
Top Sights: Belem Tower, Tram 28, Alfama views
Budget Tips:
- Use a 24-hour metro pass
- Eat seafood at tascas (local cafes)
3-Day Idea:
- Day 1: Tram 28 and Alfama
- Day 2: Belem and Jerónimos Monastery
- Day 3: LX Factory and river views

4. Sofia, Bulgaria

Average Daily Cost: €35 ($38)
Top Sights: Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Vitosha Mountain
Budget Tips:
- Hostels from €10
- Try banitsa (local pastry)
3-Day Idea:
- Day 1: Old town walk
- Day 2: Hike Vitosha Mountain
- Day 3: Museums and parks

5. Valencia, Spain

Average Daily Cost: €55 ($60)
Top Sights: Arts & Sciences, beaches, old town
Budget Tips:
- Bike rentals are cheap
- Local markets offer low-cost meals
3-Day Idea:
- Day 1: Gardens and biking
- Day 2: Beach day
- Day 3: Try paella and explore central market

6. Lviv, Ukraine(if safe to travel)

Average Daily Cost: €30 ($33)
Top Sights: Old Town, coffee museums, opera house
Budget Tips:
- Cafes with free Wi-Fi
- Many free walking spots
3-Day Idea:
- Day 1: Rynok Square
- Day 2: Coffee museum and opera
- Day 3: Local parks and crafts

7. Tirana, Albania

Average Daily Cost: €30 ($33)
Top Sights: Skanderbeg Square, bunkers, mountains
Budget Tips:
- Cheap buses for beach day trips
- Street food under €3
3-Day Idea:
- Day 1: Museums and bunkers
- Day 2: Cable car ride
- Day 3: Day trip to Krujë

8. Prague, Czech Republic

Average Daily Cost: €50 ($55)
Top Sights: Charles Bridge, Castle, Old Town
Budget Tips:
- Walk everywhere (very walkable)
- Bakery lunches under €4
3-Day Idea:
- Day 1: Castle and hilltop view
- Day 2: Clock and Old Square
- Day 3: Boat tour (€8–12)

9. Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina

Average Daily Cost: €35 ($38)
Top Sights: Old bazaar, mosques, Latin Bridge
Budget Tips:
- Tasty meals under €5
- Historic tram rides for €0.60
3-Day Idea:
- Day 1: Old market
- Day 2: War Tunnel Museum
- Day 3: Day trip to Mostar

10. Riga, Latvia

Average Daily Cost: €40 ($44)
Top Sights: Art Nouveau buildings, beach trip to Jurmala
Budget Tips:
- Free tours daily
- Cheap buses and dorms
3-Day Idea:
- Day 1: Old Town walk
- Day 2: Architecture tour
- Day 3: Day at the beach

11. Athens, Greece

Average Daily Cost: €55 ($60)
Top Sights: Acropolis, Plaka, ancient ruins
Budget Tips:
- Buy city pass for multiple sites
- Eat gyros and street food
3-Day Idea:
- Day 1: Acropolis tour
- Day 2: Museums and street art
- Day 3: Ferry to nearby island

12. Bratislava, Slovakia

Average Daily Cost: €45 ($49)
Top Sights: Bratislava Castle, Danube River
Budget Tips:
- Day trip to Vienna by bus (€5–8)
- Student discounts at many places
3-Day Idea:
- Day 1: Castle and old town
- Day 2: Blue Church and war memorial
- Day 3: Boat trip to Devin Castle

Travel Tips to Save Money in 2025

Fly with budget airlines: Ryanair, EasyJet, Wizz Air
Use FlixBus or trains for low-cost travel
Book flights and stays early
Travel in January, February, or November
Stay in hostels or guest homes
Use city passes for public transport and museums
Bring a refillable water bottle and snacks

Best Time to Visit Cheaply

Spring (April–May): Nice weather and fewer crowds
Autumn (Sept–Oct): Warm days, lower prices
Winter (Jan–Feb): Cheapest flights and hotels, except for ski areas

Conclusion

Traveling through Europe in 2025 doesn’t have to cost a lot. With smart planning, you can enjoy amazing cities like Budapest, Lisbon, and Krakow on a small budget. These 12 cities are full of culture, history, food, and fun—and they’re perfect for travelers who want to explore more and spend less.

Use budget airlines, book early, travel in off-peak months, and stay in hostels or low-cost apartments. Walk around, eat local, and take advantage of free activities. Whether you're traveling alone or with family or friends, these trips offer great value and unforgettable memories.

Now that you know where to go and how to save, it's time to plan your next affordable European adventure!