The cheapest and most fun vacation destinations in Europe

Vacation fans pay attention: who doesn’t want to – just like me – avoid taking out a second mortgage for a week away? Exactly, I think everyone. Okay, a low-budget Ibiza trip is unfortunately not in the cards (sorry not sorry). But no stress, I’ve found enough low-budget Ibiza dupes. Well, not literally a mini-Ibiza, but definitely places in Europe where you can chill wonderfully, enjoyably, and cheaply.
I looked it up for you: what are the cheapest vacation countries in Europe and which city in each country should you really put on your bucket list ? Trust me, you want to book now.
1. Berat, Albania
First up (and also the cheapest option): Berat in Albania is located in the hilly heart of the country, and it’s really one of those places you fall in love with immediately. The town is truly typical Balkan – i love. In the famous Mangalemi district, the old houses are so close together, with large windows, that Berat has earned the nickname “city of a thousand windows.” Fun Instagram photos? Yup, you can take them here. Okay, Berat is not by the sea and therefore doesn’t have the Ibiza vibe – sorry. But within an hour’s drive, you’re at the Adriatic coast, where you can indeed lie on the beach. On average, it’s just under 30 degrees in July, so sunscreen is a MUST. Here you score the best sunscreen according to the consumer association.
Sounds like a dream city, right? Yup, especially when you hear the daily price. Budget-wise, you should think of around €30 per day per person, including meals, tips, gas, and entrance fees. A good hotel in the city center can still be on the pricey side, but on Booking.com you can also find nice spots to stay outside the city.
2. Ohrid, North Macedonia
Anyone who loves soaking up culture must not miss Ohrid in North Macedonia. The country has been independent since 1991 and is still pleasantly undiscovered by mass tourism – how nice: really a hidden gem so (speaking of hidden gems : here you read about the nicest undiscovered spots in Spain). Ohrid is full of historical gems, The Fortress of Samuel is so high and offers a view that will take your breath away – really a must go therefore.
What more could a person want? Oh yes, I already know: a full wallet even after your vacation. Check, because for sun on your face, clear water in the lake, and an Instagram-worthy environment, you have a daily budget of about €30 per person.

3. Plovdiv, Bulgaria
First of all, we could joke for hours about the name that sounds like something else, but let’s just start with why Plovdiv is one of the nicest cities in Europe. To begin with: it’s one of Europe’s oldest cities and a place where old and new come together effortlessly. A cozy wine bar or a snug pub, you have it all here. The temperatures in July hit around 30 degrees, so a glass of wine on the terrace is of course no punishment. Think: Old but chic, vibrant, cozy, and surprisingly affordable:
Budget-wise, you’re looking at around €41 per day. Note: I haven’t counted that endless refill of your wine on the terrace in the daily budget;)
4. Budapest, Hungary
My ultimate favorite: Budapest. Why? It has such a perfect mix of history (think: beautiful museums and impressive churches), relaxation (boating on the Danube or a long walk through atmospheric streets) and nightlife (think: hours of drinking in ruin bars and nightclubs) that it’s almost impossible to get bored here. As soon as you walk into this city, you actually want to live here immediately. I was personally surprised that I had never been here until this summer.
Expect a budget between €38 and €100 per day, depending on how much you drink and dine. The average summer temperature is around 20 degrees or slightly higher, so it’s quite manageable. You can read more Budapest tips here.
5. Český Krumlov, Czech Republic
This Czech gem may require some tongue-twister practice, but I think that if you can pronounce the name of this city correctly, you actually speak fluent Czech. Think of this city as: a medieval castle where you really climb for a breathtaking view, and an old town full of colorful houses and narrow streets where you can endlessly get lost and take photos.
For such a fairy tale experience, you pay around €76 per day. Not the cheapest, but you’re almost sleeping in a postcard. Definitely a recommendation to go with your great love.
6. Porto, Portugal
Last but not least: Porto is the big sister of Lisbon, but just a bit more relaxed and less crowded – say goodbye to mass tourism. Here it’s all about tasting port wine in cellars that almost smell like Christmas, and boat trips on the Douro River where you immediately feel your vacation vibes. Porto in 3 words? Chill, stylish, and adventurous.
The costs? Porto is surprisingly affordable. A dinner for two with a bottle of wine costs you an average of about €50, and a beer you can get for around two euros. Think of a daily budget between €45 and €60.
5 Low budget travel tips
- Plan your meals: Choose local markets and small eateries, sometimes it’s also okay to have lunch on the go with a sandwich from a local supermarket.
- Public transport: Where possible, take buses or local taxis instead of expensive private transfers.
- Timing is key: Travel outside the high season for lower prices and less crowding.
- Accommodation: Opt for guesthouses or Airbnbs instead of expensive hotels. Often also with a much more personal atmosphere.
- Free attractions: Check museums or parks that are free on certain days, it saves you a lot of money.





