Top 10 Affordable Cities to Visit in Europe Introduction: Every year, tourist destinations around the world are becoming more and more expensive, especially in big cities like London and Paris. However, Europe still offers a number of affordable destinations that you can visit. In this article, we introduce you to 10 inexpensive places to visit in Europe.
Lubiana, Slovenia
A perfect city break
Whether it's the delicious food, the riverside café culture or the magical beauty of the city, Lubiana has become one of my favorite destinations. The old town is beautiful, with its cobblestone streets located between the castle on top of the hill and the river. What I like about Lubiana is that it has many qualities that I appreciate in Scandinavian countries: it is green, clean and very pretty. In addition, it does not have as big a financial impact as most Scandinavian cities. So I highly recommend you to visit this destination, you will be pleasantly surprised.
Tallinn, Estonia
One of the affordable medieval towns full of charm
Tallinn is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, combining modernity and old world charm with its famous stone gate, a testament to its status as a gateway between two worlds. If you are looking for a city with medieval charm, Tallinn is the place to visit. Here you can admire panoramic views of the colorful rooftops and domes of the hills, you can lose yourself in the charm of Toompea Castle. I think that Tallinn is a great option, especially in summer as well as in low season.
Funchal, Madeira Island, Portugal
A little-known destination
This destination is underrated. The capital of Madeira offers all the ingredients for an exceptional city break: picturesque streets, a cable car, culture and coastal views, not to mention delicious traditional tartlets. Plus, this destination is much cheaper than most places in Europe. Funchal can be used as a base to explore the island using public transport. Overall I think this is a great city break, very overlooked.
Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic
A picturesque town
This picturesque town is located in southern Bohemia and is one of the most charming cities in Europe. It resembles a small Prague in miniature, with its historic center listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. UNESCO and its magnificent castle overlooking the Vltava River. You can walk from one end of the city to the other in just 20-25 minutes. While it is popular in the summer, I think it is in the winter that this city really shines.
Bucharest, Romania
A city full of life
Many people use Bucharest as a starting point to visit Romania before heading straight to the countryside. This is a shame because Bucharest is definitely worth spending a few days there. It is said to be a bit like the new Berlin, with raw architecture, lots of surprising green spaces, a trendy atmosphere and plenty of places to eat and drink. Plus, it offers affordable prices compared to other major cities in Europe. Despite some neglected aspects, I think this gives it character.
Kaunas, Lithuania
A less touristy city
Kaunas is the second largest city in Lithuania after the capital, Vilnius. A few years ago, it was named the European Capital of Culture for 2022, with over a thousand incredible events taking place in the city to celebrate this event. Kaunas is cheaper, less crowded and you will feel less like a tourist compared to other destinations on this list. Highlights include visiting the 9th Fort, the medieval Kaunas Castle and even the Devil's Museum. You won't be bored here.
Bari, Italy
A beautiful coastal town
This coastal town located in the south ofItaly is known for its stunning old town, beautiful beaches, and delicious cuisine. It’s a perfect destination for a relaxing and authentic Italian vacation. Although I wouldn’t normally include it in this type of video, I can tell you that Bari is still one of those places where you can enjoy the city without the hordes of tourists and exorbitant prices. One of the best places to visit is the old town, known as Old Bari, where you will find many cafes and restaurants serving all kinds of specialties.
Bratislava, Slovakia
An alternative to Prague and Vienna
Bratislava is not a major tourist destination compared to Prague or Vienna. Here you can intimately experience places like the historic Old Town and its cobblestone streets, which are usually crowded in the previously mentioned big cities. What is interesting here is that you can visit Bratislava on a day trip if you want to go to a big city like Vienna. Both destinations are only an hour apart. I highly recommend slowing down and spending a few days here in Bratislava, and if you get bored you can always take a train to Vienna.
Sofia, Bulgaria
The affordable capital of Europe
Sofia is consistently ranked among the cheapest major cities in Europe for housing, dining, transportation, and more. Despite being part of the European Union, the country still uses the Bulgarian lev instead of the euro. This is where you really get your money's worth, with everything from Roman ruins to many new modern buildings. There are plenty of things to do here, and I can tell you the nightlife is lively.
Berat, Albania
A unique city to discover
This country has become very popular for its beach resorts, but I think it also offers many possibilities for city breaks, for example, Berat is truly unique with its unforgettable white Ottoman-style houses. Traditional rooms are also affordable and many are guesthouses or independent hotels. Even the Via Alexander Hotel costs around £35 per night. I don't think the trip to Berat will break the bank, and you can climb the steep cobbled streets to see the 13th-century castle. And from the top, you can admire the city with its many windows.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these ten destinations offer the possibility of spending an affordable vacation in Europe. They are often less crowded than the famous tourist destinations, but still offer an enriching cultural and historical experience. Whether you want to immerse yourself in a medieval atmosphere in Tallinn or discover the vibrant nightlife of Sofia, these destinations will allow you to discover Europe on a budget. So, go ahead and plan your next trip to one of these inexpensive cities in Europe.
