10 Top Cheapest European Countries to Visit (With Video)

Europe has destinations to suit all tastes and interests, from blue coastlines with sandy beaches to winding mountain trails and historical sites dating back over a thousand years. Unfortunately, many of these destinations, particularly in popular countries such as France, Germany, and the Netherlands, will also put a strain on your budget.

To visit the cheapest European countries, you'll have to think outside the box and visit lesser-known (but equally magical) locations. From our list of the most affordable European countries, pick the best places to visit. 

Number 10 - Montenegro

Montenegro is a young country that regained independence in 2006 and that many people have trouble locating on a map. Montenegro is a bit of everything in a country still trying to find itself; expect meager food prices if you stick to hearty, meaty local foods like a meat-stuffed pie-like burek; anything else will mean tourist prices. On weekends, most cities host farmer's markets, which are great places to get a cheap snack or a quick bite to eat.

During July and August, the Montenegrin coast is packed with tourists, mostly from Russia, whose citizens do not require a visa to enter the country. If you want to visit the hip coastal towns of Budva or Herceg Novi, avoid the summer months; otherwise, head inland to see rugged mountains, glacial lakes, and UNESCO-walled towns. Crno Jezero, for example, is a stunning mountain lake surrounded by deep green-bluish forest that is entirely free to enjoy for hiking and swimming.

Ada Bojana, a small island away from the pricey shoreline towns, is a popular kitesurfing destination and a lovely summer destination with low prices. 

Number 09 - Bosnia and Herzegovina

While not the cheapest country on this list, Bosnia and Herzegovina has one significant advantage over other destinations: flight and lodging prices do not vary significantly throughout the year. This means you can visit in the summer to go rafting on the Neretva River, or in the winter to go Christmas market shopping and skiing on a budget.

Just a short drive from Sarajevo's capital city are several very affordable ski resorts, such as Jahorina and Babin Do. 

Restaurants aren't particularly expensive in this city, but sticking to traditional and regional foods will save you even more money, as these are available in smaller cafés or street stalls. Look for restaurants that serve cevapi (kebabs), Pljeskavica (grilled patty), and use (vegetable stew). Bosnia is also well-known for its farmer's markets, where you can pick up fruits and pastries for a quick snack. 

Number 08 - Croatia

Croatia is often considered a budget-friendly destination in Europe. With its stunning coastline, medieval towns, and rich cultural heritage, Croatia offers a range of affordable travel options, including budget-friendly accommodations, delicious local cuisine, and inexpensive activities such as hiking and swimming in the sea. 

However, prices can vary depending on the season and location, with some cities and tourist hotspots being more expensive. Overall, Croatia is a great option for travelers looking to experience the beauty of Europe without breaking the bank. 

Number 07 - Slovakia

Bratislava, Slovakia's capital, is undoubtedly the most expensive destination in the country - but even here, you can keep your trip affordable by taking advantage of the city's many free attractions.

In addition to numerous small galleries scattered throughout the city, Bratislava is home to numerous street sculptures, ranging from bronze workers emerging from sewer holes to life-size Napoleon's soldiers leaning against benches. Despite being the capital, Bratislava is a small city that can be easily explored on foot, as most of the attractions and top things to do are concentrated in the Old Town center area - if you want to venture outside the city, trains and buses are inexpensive and comfortable.

If you're looking for outdoor adventure, Slovakia has plenty of options - and the majority of them are free. The High Tatras, Slovakia's highest mountains and a sprawling national park, have hundreds of kilometers of hiking trails. The trails are ideal for hiking and exploring between June and October. Many of them become excellent snowshoeing, downhill, and cross-country skiing destinations in the winter. In Slovakia, all national parks are free to visit. 

Slovakia also has many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, castles, memorials, and monuments that are either free or very inexpensive to visit.

Number 06 - Serbia

Serbia is often considered a budget-friendly destination for travelers in Europe. With its rich cultural heritage, beautiful landscapes, and diverse range of attractions, Serbia offers travelers a unique and affordable travel experience. Accommodations, local cuisine, and transportation are relatively cheap, allowing travelers to stretch their budgets further. 

Additionally, many historical sites and cultural attractions in Serbia can be visited for free or at a low cost. However, prices can vary depending on the season and location, with some cities and tourist hotspots being more expensive. Overall, Serbia is a great option for travelers looking to experience a new culture while saving money on their travels. 

Number 05 - Poland

Poland's main cities, Krakow and Warsaw, are not always inexpensive, so avoid visiting during the summer if these are your primary destinations. Shoulder season (especially March and April) are ideal months to visit urban Poland because the weather is warming up, prices are still low, and castles and palaces that were closed during the winter are reopening, often at reduced prices.

Off-season, Poland's most famous attractions, such as the Auschwitz-Birkenau camps, the Wieliczka Salt Mine, and Schindler's factory, are much less crowded, so you won't waste time waiting in line. Many other attractions in the country are either very cheap or free to visit, such as climbing the Old Town Hall tower in Krakow for great views, the 13th-century Teutonic Order Castle in Malbork, and the ancient Bialowieza Forest.

Museums in larger cities frequently offer one free day per week; for example, the Royal Castle in Warsaw is free on Wednesdays, and the Chopin Museum is free on Sundays.

While trains aren't always cheap in Poland, buses can get you almost anywhere for very little money. Long-distance buses, like Flixbus, are comfortable, have free Wi-Fi, and can take you to even the smallest towns in Poland.

Number 04 - Czech Republic

The Czech Republic isn't as cheap as it once was, but if you spend most of your time outside of Prague, you'll find plenty of bargains. This is especially true during the winter (except for the second half of December, as the weeks around Christmastime are prime tourist season). The cheapest months are January and February, with March through May also offering some great deals on flights and accommodations.

Many of Prague's main attractions are free, but they are also included in many paid tours; rather than paying to be taken there, it is better to grab a map and explore them on your own. Walking across Charles Bridge, stopping at the Astronomical Clock, and exploring the cobblestone streets of Old Town Square and its medieval buildings are all part of the experience.

Other popular tourist destinations in the Czech Republic include the fairy-tale town of Cesky Krumlov, the unusual town of Sedlec and its ossuary chapel, and the never-ending trails and mountains of Bohemian Switzerland National Park. Even during peak season, hotels in these locations are reasonably priced if you book far enough in advance.

Number 03 - Hungary

Hungary is one of the most expensive countries in Eastern Europe, but it is still a fraction of the cost of visiting major destinations in the continent's western half.

Budapest, Hungary's capital, has a long list of free attractions, such as walking across the Danube on the Chain Bridge and exploring the Castle Hill area. Although some of the attractions in the Castle area, such as the Buda Castle and the underground Castle Labyrinth, are not free to visit, they are still very inexpensive. The city sponsors a "Night of the Museums" in June, where you can visit many landmarks around Budapest for free. 

Budapest's oldest indoor market, the neo-Gothic Great Market Hall, is a great place to look for low-cost souvenirs and snacks, including many traditional Hungarian foods. Another great way to save money when visiting is to eat street food, such as lángos, a type of deep-fried pizza topped with cheese, tomato sauce, or sour cream.

Outside of the capital, prices drop dramatically. Visitors to Tihany, a lake resort town, and those seeking outdoor adventure in the Bükk Mountains will find prices even lower all year. 

Number 02 - Romania

Romania is one of the most affordable destinations in Europe, especially if you plan on hiking in the Carpathian Mountains or exploring the countryside. Even a trip to Brasov, which is home to Dracula's 14th-century Bran Castle, can be very affordable if you book a sightseeing day tour or don't mind long train rides from Bucharest. Trains in Romania are not always in good condition, but they are safe and inexpensive.

Some of Bucharest's most beautiful structures, such as the 15th-century Old Town, Revolution Square, and Romania's own Arch of Triumph, are either free or very inexpensive to visit. In warmer weather, renting a bike or joining one of the walking tours is a great way to explore smaller cities. 

In most cases, it is not worthwhile to shop at supermarkets in Romania because eating out is inexpensive and the meals are hearty and filling. Local specialties like sarmale (cabbage rolls), cozonac (sweet bread), and mamaliga (polenta, usually served with sour cream and strong cheese) are inexpensive and a great way to get a taste of Romanian cuisine.

Number 01 - Bulgaria

Bulgaria is frequently ranked as one of the most affordable countries to visit in Europe, and for good reason. For starters, Bulgaria remains largely undiscovered by tourists, except for summer visitors looking for a cheap vacation along the Black Sea. Even so, lodging, flights, and entertainment will be a fraction of what you would pay in Western Europe. Prices drop significantly in the off-season, and you can ski, eat, and travel around the country for a tenth of what it costs in the West.

The countryside is one of the best parts of visiting Bulgaria, with castles, villages, and hiking trails - the Central Balkan National Park tops the list for great hikes and breathtaking views - that are either free or very cheap to visit.

Outside of the summer months, hotels in Bulgaria are especially inexpensive, and may include not only free breakfast but also free shuttles.