Looking for affordable European travel in 2025? Discover the 10 cheapest countries in Europe to visit, with tips on costs, food, accommodation, and must-see spots for budget travelers.
Traveling Europe on a budget? It’s 100% possible—and often more fun than dropping €9 on a coffee in Paris. Whether you’re a backpacker, a student, or someone just trying to stretch their euros, this guide breaks down the cheapest European countries to visit in 2025, without sacrificing culture, food, or Instagrammability.
1. Albania
Best for: Beaches, mountains, and Mediterranean vibes—without Mediterranean prices.
Average daily budget: $25–$40
Albania is one of Europe’s last true budget paradises. It has crystal-clear beaches like Greece, rugged Alps like Switzerland, and a shockingly low cost of living. You can enjoy seafood meals for under $10 and find beachside hostels for $15 a night.
Don’t miss:
•Ksamil beaches (Albanian Riviera)
•Berat (UNESCO white-stone town)
•Theth National Park
2. Bulgaria
Best for: Mountains, Black Sea beaches, and cheap beer
Average daily budget: $25–$40
One of the cheapest countries in Europe, Bulgaria combines natural beauty with super low prices. You can ski in Bansko in winter or chill on Sunny Beach in summer—for a fraction of the cost of Western Europe.
Cheap eats: Shopska salad, banitsa, and grilled meats
Where to go: Sofia, Plovdiv, Veliko Tarnovo
3. Georgia (Tbilisi and Beyond)
Best for: Wine, mountains, and budget adventure
Average daily budget: $20–$35
Technically on the border of Europe and Asia, Georgia is a rising star in budget travel. Tbilisi’s artsy vibe, the Caucasus Mountains, and $3 bottles of excellent wine make it a must for cheap and adventurous trips.
Budget gems: Kazbegi, Svaneti, and Tbilisi’s sulfur baths
4. Montenegro
Best for: Adriatic coastlines, old towns, and dramatic mountains
Average daily budget: $30–$50
Often called the “budget Croatia,” Montenegro is home to stunning scenery and medieval charm. Prices are climbing, but it’s still a bargain—especially in places like Kotor and Budva during shoulder season.
Don’t miss: Bay of Kotor, Durmitor National Park, Tara River Canyon
5. Poland
Best for: Big cities on a budget, history, and hearty comfort food
Average daily budget: $30–$50
Poland is no secret, but it remains one of the best cheap travel destinations in Europe. You can enjoy the medieval charm of Krakow, the urban grit of Warsaw, and the calm of Zakopane—all while eating pierogi for pennies.
Budget tips: Use regional trains and dine at milk bars (bar mleczny)
✈️ Budget Travel Tips for Visiting Europe Cheaply
•Travel in shoulder season (April–May or September–October)
•Use budget airlines (like Wizz Air or Ryanair)
•Stay in hostels, guesthouses, or private rooms via Booking.com
•Eat local street food or cook from local markets
•Use rail/bus passes or apps like FlixBus and BlaBlaCar
Final Thoughts: Explore Europe Without Breaking the Bank
Forget the €14 gelato. Europe has plenty of destinations where your money goes further—without sacrificing experiences, beauty, or culture. Whether you’re beach-hopping in Albania or hiking the Caucasus Mountains, these cheap European countries make 2025 the perfect year to travel more, spend less, and brag harder.