Cheapest Cities to Visit in Europe
(Eastern and Southern Region)
Eastern and Southern Europe are bursting with history, culture, and jaw-dropping scenery that every traveler should experience at least once. From the sun-soaked beaches of Greece and Croatia to the storybook castles and old towns of Romania and Bulgaria, this part of Europe blends ancient charm with affordable adventure. In places like Albania or Montenegro, you’ll stumble upon breathtaking views without the tourist crowds, while cities like Budapest or Dubrovnik blend rich history with vibrant local life. And it is surprisingly affordable, so you can do more, eat better, and stay longer—especially when exploring some of the cheapest cities to visit in Europe scattered across the region.
You’ll find diverse languages, warm hospitality, and delicious cuisine everywhere—think fresh pasta in Italy, hearty goulash in Hungary, or rich baklava in the Balkans. Plus, many cities here are less crowded and more budget-friendly than their Western European counterparts, making it easier to explore more for less. If you’re the kind of traveler who loves culture, food, and scenic surprises, whether you’re craving coastal getaways, mountain escapes, or centuries-old landmarks, Eastern and Southern Europe have a little something for everyone.
Rome, Italy
Rome is one of those places that completely pulls you in—the kind of city where you can grab a slice of pizza on a quiet cobblestone street and suddenly find yourself staring at a 2,000-year-old ruin. It’s famously home to the Colosseum, the Vatican, and more layers of history than you can count, but what really makes it special is how alive it still feels.
Believe it or not, Rome is also one of the cheapest cities to visit in Europe if you travel smart—many of its biggest sights are free to see, and great food doesn’t have to cost a fortune. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to dive into culture, history, and amazing local flavors without spending a ton. While you’re planning, check out some of the attraction passes and guided tours available—you’ll get to skip the lines and experience the best of Rome without the hassle.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague, the fairytale capital of the Czech Republic, is famous for its stunning medieval architecture, dreamy castle views, and that iconic Astronomical Clock that draws crowds every hour. It’s the kind of place where you can wander cobbled streets, sip world-class beer, and soak in centuries of history—all without spending too much money. No wonder it’s often listed among the cheapest cities to visit in Europe.
Whether you’re into gothic cathedrals, scenic river cruises, or quirky museums, there’s plenty to explore here. If you’re planning a trip, check out some of the local tours and attraction passes—they make it super easy to dive into the best of what Prague has to offer.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is the kind of place that makes you fall in love with travel all over again. With its colorful buildings, sunny beaches, and amazing local food, it’s got a little bit of everything. It’s also one of the cheapest cities to visit in Europe, which means you can see and do a lot without spending a fortune. It’s famously home to Gaudí’s whimsical masterpieces like the Sagrada Família and Park Güell, not to mention its buzzing markets, vibrant neighborhoods, and laid-back Mediterranean lifestyle. And if you’re thinking about checking out some of the best spots in the city, there are easy tour options and ticket bundles to help you make the most of your time.
Milan, Italy
Milan is a city that perfectly blends old-world charm with modern flair—famous for its fashion, stunning architecture, and of course, Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper. While it’s often seen as a luxury destination, Milan is actually one of the cheapest cities to visit in Europe, especially if you know where to look.
From exploring the majestic Duomo to strolling through stylish neighborhoods like Brera, you’ll find lots to see and do without spending too much. If you’re planning to see more of what Milan has to offer, there are some great deals on local attractions and tours that make the experience even more rewarding. Milan has a way of pleasantly surprising you at every turn.
Athens, Greece
Athens, Greece is where ancient history meets laid-back city vibes—famous for its towering Acropolis, lively street markets, and golden sunsets over the Aegean. It’s one of those places where you can walk through ruins from thousands of years ago, then grab a delicious gyro for just a few euros. What makes Athens even more special is that it’s one of the cheapest cities to visit in Europe, so you can soak up all that culture without spending a lot of money. Whether you’re into history, food, or just exploring somewhere new, there’s a ton of exciting things to do here. If you’re planning a trip, it’s worth checking out some of the local attractions and guided tours—they make discovering Athens even easier and way more fun.
Madrid, Spain
Madrid, the heart and soul of Spain, is famous for its lively streets, world-class art museums, and mouthwatering tapas culture. It’s a city that mixes royal charm with a relaxed vibe—where you can stroll through grand palaces in the morning and catch a flamenco show by night. What makes it even better is that it’s one of the cheapest cities to visit in Europe, so you can enjoy so much without spending a fortune. From iconic spots like the Prado Museum and the Royal Palace to hidden gems in charming neighborhoods, there’s always something to see and do. While you’re planning your trip, it’s worth checking out some local tour packages and attraction passes—they’re an easy way to make the most of your Madrid adventure without the stress.
Venice, Italy
Venice, Italy is one of those places that feels like it was pulled straight from a dream—with its winding canals, charming gondolas, and centuries-old buildings floating on water. It’s famously known for St. Mark’s Basilica, the Grand Canal, and that magical feeling you get just by getting lost in its narrow alleyways. While it might seem like a luxury destination, Venice is actually one of the cheapest cities to visit in Europe if you plan smart—many of its iconic sights can be enjoyed just by walking around or hopping on a water bus. It’s a place where every corner tells a story, and there’s always something beautiful to discover. If you’re thinking of exploring Venice, there are plenty of tour packages and attractions that make it super easy and fun to experience the best of the city without spending much.
Florence, Italy
Florence, Italy is like stepping into a real-life Renaissance painting—every street, square, and skyline is packed with art, history, and charm. It’s famously known as the birthplace of the Renaissance, home to world-class masterpieces, the iconic Duomo, and the legendary works of Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. What makes it even more amazing is that Florence is actually one of the cheapest cities to visit in Europe, especially for the kind of cultural experience it offers. You don’t need to spend too much to soak up its beauty, enjoy local food, or explore museums and landmarks. While you’re planning your trip, check out some local attractions and guided tours—you might be surprised at how many unique experiences are available for a great price.
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest, the stunning capital of Hungary, is often called the “Paris of the East”—and for good reason. It’s famous for its beautiful architecture, relaxing thermal baths, and that magical view from the Buda Castle overlooking the Danube River. What really makes Budapest stand out, though, is how much you can experience without spending a fortune—it’s easily one of the cheapest cities to visit in Europe. Whether you’re soaking in historic spas or cruising down the river at sunset, it feels like luxury at a fraction of the price. While you’re planning your trip, don’t forget to check out some great local tours and attraction passes online to make the most of your stay.
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon, Portugal is one of those places that instantly wins you over with its laid-back charm, colorful streets, and stunning views from every hilltop. It’s famously known for its historic trams, delicious custard tarts (pastéis de nata), and soulful Fado music echoing through the old quarters. What makes it even better? Lisbon happens to be one of the cheapest cities to visit in Europe, so you can soak in all the beauty, food, and culture without draining your wallet. If you’re planning a trip, don’t miss out on the city’s top attractions and fun tours—you’ll find plenty of great options that make it super easy to explore more of what this amazing city has to offer.
Krakow, Poland
Krakow is one of those cities that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a storybook—with its cobblestone streets, old castles, and cozy cafés. It’s best known for its beautiful Old Town, the historic Wawel Castle, and powerful sites like Auschwitz and the Jewish Quarter. The great thing is, it’s also one of the cheapest cities to visit in Europe, so you can see and do a lot without spending a ton. If you’re heading there soon, it’s a good idea to look into local tours and attraction tickets to make the most of your trip—there are some really convenient options out there.
Warsaw, Poland
Warsaw is one of those cities that quietly steals your heart. It’s packed with history, from its beautifully rebuilt Old Town to reminders of its resilience during World War II. What really makes it stand out, though, is how much you can see and do without spending a fortune—it’s honestly one of the cheapest cities to visit in Europe. You can eat well, explore museums, stroll through parks, and still have money left for a coffee and dessert. While you’re there, it’s worth checking out some local tours and attraction passes to make the most out of your visit without the stress.