Choosing the right destinations is the easiest way to stretch your money in Europe. A day in some Central and Eastern European or Balkan cities can cost far less than a day in Zurich, Paris or London, yet the history, food and scenery are just as rich. In Part 8 of Europe on a Budget, we highlight cities that consistently offer great value.
Prices rise in popular cities, so value is relative. These places are generally cheaper than Western Europe's big capitals, especially for food and accommodation.
Central Europe
Budapest, Hungary
Grand architecture, a beautiful river setting and famous thermal baths. Walk the Danube banks, explore Buda Castle district for free, try lángos and relax in a bath. Ruin bars in the old Jewish quarter are a local highlight.
Kraków, Poland
A beautifully preserved medieval old town with one of Europe's largest market squares, Wawel Castle and the historic Kazimierz district. Food is filling and cheap, especially pierogi in local "milk bars". Day trips include the Wieliczka Salt Mine and the Auschwitz-Birkenau memorial.
Prague, Czechia
Prague is busier and pricier than it used to be, but still good value outside the main tourist streets. Its castle, Charles Bridge, old town and riverside views are unforgettable. Read our Prague travel guide for more.
Other Central European picks
- Wrocław and Gdańsk, Poland: colourful old towns and lower prices than Kraków.
- Bratislava, Slovakia: compact and easy as a stop between Vienna and Budapest.
- Ljubljana, Slovenia: a green, walkable capital near lakes and mountains, mid-priced but excellent value for quality.
Southern and Western Europe
Lisbon and Porto, Portugal
Portugal is one of the best-value countries in Western Europe. Lisbon offers viewpoints, trams, pastries and coastal day trips, while Porto charms with riverside views and port wine cellars. See our Lisbon travel guide.
Valencia and Seville, Spain
Valencia has beaches, a huge riverbed park and the birthplace of paella. Seville offers Moorish palaces, flamenco and tapas. Both are usually cheaper than Barcelona or Madrid.
Athens and Thessaloniki, Greece
Ancient sites, lively neighbourhoods and cheap, delicious street food. Visit outside peak summer for better prices and cooler weather.
The Balkans and South-Eastern Europe
Sofia, Bulgaria
Mountain views, golden-domed churches, Roman ruins in the city centre and some of the lowest prices in the EU. The Rila Monastery is a great day trip.
Belgrade, Serbia
A lively capital where two rivers meet, with a huge fortress park, river barge clubs and hearty grilled food.
Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Where East meets West: Ottoman bazaars, Austro-Hungarian buildings and powerful 20th-century history. Try ćevapi and strong Bosnian coffee. Nearby Mostar is famous for its old bridge.
Other Balkan gems
- Tirana and the Albanian Riviera: colourful city life and beaches at budget prices.
- Kotor, Montenegro: a dramatic bay and walled town; best outside cruise-ship peak times.
- Ohrid, North Macedonia: a lakeside town with churches, monasteries and calm waters.
- Bucharest and Brașov, Romania: grand boulevards, Transylvanian old towns and mountain scenery.
How to combine cheap and expensive cities
You do not have to skip famous places. Spend two or three nights in a costly city, then balance it with longer stays in cheaper ones. For example, pair Vienna with Budapest and Bratislava, or Barcelona with Valencia.
Tips for value travel anywhere
- Stay just outside the historic core.
- Eat where locals eat, a few streets from the main square.
- Visit in shoulder season.
- Use buses where trains are slow or limited.
- Remember that some countries use their own currency, not the euro (see Part 9).
In Part 9, we tackle money: cards, cash, currency conversion and the fees that quietly drain budgets.
Europe on a Budget: the full series
- Part 1: Plan Your Trip and Set a Budget
- Part 2: Visas, Insurance and Paperwork
- Part 3: Finding Cheap Flights
- Part 4: Trains, Buses and Rail Passes
- Part 5: Budget Accommodation
- Part 6: Eat Well for Less
- Part 7: Free and Cheap Sightseeing
- Part 8: The Best-Value Cities (you are here)
- Part 9: Money, Cards and Fees
- Part 10: A Two-Week Budget Itinerary
Prices, fares, fees and entry rules change often. Treat the ranges here as rough guides and check official websites before you book or travel.
