7 Surprisingly Cheap European Cities To Visit

You could be forgiven for believing that a European vacation is out of your budget. After all, cities like London, Paris, and Zurich aren’t particularly known for being wallet-friendly. However, some European destinations are more affordable than you think. Here are seven of the cheapest cities in Europe to visit in 2025.

Seville, Spain

In general, Spain’s a savvy choice for budget-conscious travelers, and that’s especially true of Seville. Explore city highlights such as the Seville Cathedral and its unique bell tower known as La Giralda, the Real Fábrica de Tabacos de Sevilla (Royal Tobacco Factory), and beautiful Plaza de España by booking a spot on a free walking tour. The Old Town of this popular Andalusian city is so charming you’ll want to continue wandering on your own to explore the hidden corners of the Santa Cruz neighborhood. 

Be sure to save enough euros to see an authentic flamenco show. A ticket for an intimate performance at La Casa del Flamenco will set you back about 25 euros ($30 USD), which is considerably less than the price of a ticket to a show at a bigger venue like El Palacio Andaluz. Seville is nicknamed “the Frying Pan” for its swelteringly high summer temperatures, so hold off until fall to visit, when hotel prices (especially in November) fall, too.

Budapest, Hungary

The city that’s famed for its “ruin bars” (pubs located in formerly abandoned buildings) and some of the best street food in Europe knows a thing or two about catering to those on a tight budget. It will cost you nothing to gaze out over the Danube from Fisherman’s Bastion or admire the architecture of the city’s famed Central Market Hall. While the splendid Art Nouveau-style baths at Danubius Hotel Gellért might set you back a few forints (about $22 USD to visit on weekends), you’ll probably agree that relaxing in such elegant surroundings is worth the price.

Better yet, many of the Hungarian capital’s must-see attractions are free. A double room in a centrally-located, three-star hotel is easy to find for under $100 per night, a plate of goulash costs less than $7, and the beer’s ridiculously cheap, too. It’s no wonder, then, that Budapest is a favorite locale among travelers on a budget.

Ljubljana, Slovenia

If you’ve ruled out Switzerland but still want to explore the Alps, how about Slovenia? The capital of Ljubljana makes an excellent base for trips into the surrounding countryside. Lake Bled, famous for its pretty island church and mountain backdrop, is under an hour away. When you’re finished relaxing in nature, stay in the city and take a romantic stroll beside the River Ljubljanica or spend less than $15 to nose around the medieval castle. Getting around the compact old town on foot is a breeze, but you can also hail a Kavalir, an electric vehicle that offers a free ride to anywhere in the pedestrianized city center.

Kraków, Poland

Even though Poland is landing on more tourists’ radars these days, the city of Kraków is still one of Europe’s best bargains. It’s free to watch the world go by in Rynek Główny, the historic main square of the sprawling Old Town, or inspect the amber jewelry on sale at the 15th-century Cloth Hall. Many of the city’s museums are free or discounted on certain days, such as Wawel Royal Castle and Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory on Mondays, the National Museum on Tuesdays, and the Museum of Contemporary Art on Thursdays. 

Away from the touristy, overpriced restaurants, cafés, and bars, food and drink is also cheaper in more residential parts of the city. When there’s a market in the Old Town square, you can also save money by snacking on pierogi (filled dumplings), ham hocks, and hot potatoes from the food stalls for just a few złoty (Poland’s currency).

Dresden, Germany

With fewer tourists than the likes of Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg, Dresden is one of Germany’s best-kept secrets. Its impressive art and architecture earned it the nickname of “Elbflorenz” (Florence on the River Elbe). It won’t cost you a cent to admire the magnificent buildings of the Altstadt (Old Town), including the Zwinger, Semper Opera House, the Royal Palace, and the stunning Lutheran church known as Dresdener Frauenkirche — though you may be tempted to stump up the very reasonable admission charges to nose around the buildings’ interiors. If you plan to visit several museums, invest in a two-day pass called a Dresden Museums Card, which costs only 35 euros ($41).

Sofia, Bulgaria

Take a free walking tour when you arrive in Sofia, the Bulgarian capital, and you’ll soon get your bearings. Your guide will introduce you to landmarks such as the iconic Alexander Nevski Cathedral, the Sofia History Museum (once the city’s bath house), and the former Communist Party Headquarters. Even during peak season, a night at an upscale property like the Hotel Balkan can be secured for around $150 a night.

Riga, Latvia

Riga’s a charming city to wander through on foot. Littered throughout the Old Town are some quirky sculptures, such as an armadillo beside the cathedral, a ghost hovering between the Swedish Gate and the Latvian War Museum, and a glittering Venus of Willendorf outside the Art Academy of Latvia. When you’ve worked up an appetite, head to a traditional pub like Folkklubs ALA Pagrabs, where a generous plate of Latvian meatballs can be yours for less than $10, and a large beer to wash it down comes in at an extra $4 or so.